Proposed amendment would recognize Christian Bible as the ‘utmost authority’ in West Virginia
By Matthew Young, RealWV
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Among the 28 pieces of legislation presented to the House of Delegates on Thursday, was a proposed amendment to West Virginia’s constitution which could potentially blur the line between church and state.
House Joint Resolution (HJR) 3020 – introduced by Del. Henry Dillon, R-Wayne – calls for the Christian Bible to be formally recognized as the “inerrant foundational document for our society and government.”
The resolution describes the Bible as being “divinely inspired,” and calls for the inclusion of both the Old and New Testaments. The resolution further refers to the Bible as being “an accurate historical record of human and natural history, and the utmost authority for human moral behavior.”
Should the amendment be codified into the state’s constitution, the Bible would be given “a place of prominence and reverence in the public buildings, laws, policies, and schools of the state of West Virginia.”
While the resolution has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee, it is not currently unknown whether Committee Chair J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, will choose to place it on the agenda for an upcoming meeting. In the event that lawmakers do choose to consider the resolution, and if it should pass through both houses of the legislature, it would then be placed before the voters of West Virginia to make the final decision.
In total, some 200-plus bills have been introduced in the House this week. Potentially significant legislation introduced includes:
- HB 2814: Creating plans to protect West Virginia from a major crisis.
- HB 2817: Requiring political action committees (PACs) to abide by the same reporting requirements as candidates.
- HB 2823: Permitting any individual over age 65 to vote absentee.
- HB 2838: Mandating that all public elementary, middle and high schools provide free feminine hygiene products.
- HB 2887: Legalizing cannabis production, sales, and adult consumption.
- HB 2897: Allowing the Legislative Auditor to conduct periodic performance and financial audits of the West Virginia Department of Education.
- HB 2955: Limiting the use of the Hope Scholarship for out-of-state private schools and providers.
- HB 2959: Repeal the West Virginia machine gun abn.
- HB 2968: Converting PEIA to a private insurance agency.
- HB 2979: Allowing law enforcement access to all photo information upon arrest for sex offenses.
- HB 3011: Prohibit future wind power projects.
- HB 3003: Authorizing county commissions to increase the compensation of elected county officials.
- HB 3006: Nonprofit Transparency and Accountability Act.
- HB 3016: Photo voter ID and non-citizen licenses.
- HB 3026: Relating to zoning ordinances and their effects.
RealWV will provide updates regarding HJR 3020, as well as other pertinent legislation as additional information is made available.
