This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to mandate that the governing authority of any public property or building, which is designed, constructed, and maintained with public funds, must prominently display the American national motto, "In God We Trust," and the Ten Commandments, provided that funds are available. The bill specifies that the display of the national motto must be in a durable poster or framed copy that is at least 11 inches by 14 inches, easily readable, and includes representations of both the United States and West Virginia state flags. Additionally, the governing authority is required to display a durable poster or framed copy of the Ten Commandments, which must be at least 16 inches by 20 inches and legible from anywhere in the room.

The bill also outlines that costs associated with these displays can be covered by private donations, gifts, grants, and bequests. It further stipulates that if a required copy or poster does not meet the specified requirements, institutions may replace it using public funds or private donations. The Department of Administration is tasked with developing guidelines for the display of the motto and the POW-MIA flag, which may also be displayed in a similar manner. Overall, the bill emphasizes the importance of these patriotic symbols in public spaces funded by taxpayer money.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 5-6-17