This bill seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia by prohibiting municipalities that participate in the Municipal Home Rule Program from enacting nondiscrimination ordinances that recognize additional protected classes beyond those specified in state law. Specifically, it introduces a new provision stating that participating municipalities may not pass any ordinance that "recognizes additional classes of persons entitled to protection in addition to those classes of persons recognized by existing state statutes," rendering any such existing ordinances void and unenforceable. This change aims to standardize the definition of protected classes across municipalities and limit local governments' ability to expand these protections independently.

In addition to this primary focus, the bill also includes various provisions related to the operation and administration of the Municipal Home Rule Program, such as the establishment of a special revenue account fund for the Home Rule Board and the requirements for municipalities to submit written plans for participation. 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 approved written plans and existing legal frameworks. Overall, the bill aims to streamline municipal governance while restricting local authority in matters of nondiscrimination.

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