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HB 2763

Adding “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act and WV Fair Housing Act

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Evan Hansen and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2763: Adding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Human Rights Act OverviewBill Number: HB 2763 Title: Adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the categories

To House Energy and Public Works
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Bill Summary · HB 2763

HB 2763: Adding Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity to Human Rights Act

Overview

Bill Number: HB 2763
Title: Adding "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the categories covered by the Human Rights Act and WV Fair Housing Act
Status: To House Energy and Public Works
Introduced: February 12, 2025

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 2763 is to expand the categories protected from discrimination under the West Virginia Human Rights Act and Fair Housing Act to include "sexual orientation" and "gender identity." This legislation aims to provide legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals in the state, ensuring they cannot be discriminated against in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Key Provisions

  • Adds "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" to the list of protected characteristics covered by the West Virginia Human Rights Act
  • Prohibits discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity
  • Requires the Human Rights Commission to investigate complaints of discrimination related to sexual orientation and gender identity
  • Allows individuals who have faced discrimination to file civil suits and seek damages, injunctive relief, and attorney's fees

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • LGBTQ+ individuals in West Virginia would be newly protected from discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodations
  • Employers, housing providers, and businesses would be required to comply with the expanded non-discrimination policies
  • The West Virginia Human Rights Commission would take on additional responsibilities to investigate complaints and enforce the new protections

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

HB 2763 has been introduced in the West Virginia House of Delegates and has been referred to the House Energy and Public Works Committee for consideration. If passed by the committee, the bill would then move to a full vote in the House. If approved by the House, it would then proceed to the State Senate for further consideration. The bill would need to pass both chambers of the legislature and be signed by the governor to become law.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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