This bill seeks to amend the Municipal Home Rule Program in West Virginia by explicitly prohibiting municipalities that participate in this program from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances that recognize additional protected classes beyond those specified in state law. The proposed legal language states that any ordinance, act, resolution, rule, or regulation that recognizes additional classes of persons entitled to protection, beyond those recognized by existing state statutes, would be considered void and unenforceable. This change aims to standardize the definition of protected classes across municipalities and prevent local governments from expanding these protections independently.

In addition to this primary focus, the bill also includes provisions for the ongoing operation of the Municipal Home Rule Program, which has been established as a permanent program. It outlines the responsibilities of the Municipal Home Rule Board, the process for municipalities to apply for participation, and the requirements for public hearings and written plans. The bill emphasizes the need for municipalities to comply with state laws and regulations while participating in the program, ensuring that any amendments or new ordinances align with the established legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 8-1-5a