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HJR 32

Recognition of Holy Bible as Foundational Text and Official Book of West Virginia.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Corby Dillon

West Virginia would adopt a constitutional amendment making the Holy Bible the official foundational text and authorize its display and citation in public buildings, laws, policies

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HJR 32

Bill Overview

  • Jurisdiction: West Virginia
  • Session: 2026
  • Bill Type: House Joint Resolution (HJR 32)
  • Sponsor: Delegate Corby Dillon (primary); introduced with co-sponsor Dillon (note: text lists Corby Dillon as co-sponsor, likely same individual)
  • Introduced: January 29, 2026
  • Referral: Judiciary Committee

Purpose of the Bill

  • Proposes an amendment to the West Virginia Constitution (Article II) to recognize the Holy Bible as:
    • The foundational document for society and government in West Virginia
    • An accurate historical record of human and natural history
    • The utmost authority for human moral behavior
  • The bill would designate the Holy Bible as the official book and foundational text of the State and authorize its display, recognition, and citation in public buildings, laws, policies, and schools.

Key Provisions

  • Constitutional Amendment: Adds a new Section 9 to Article II of the West Virginia Constitution.
  • Official Status: The Holy Bible would be declared the official book and foundational text of the State.
  • Scope of Authority: The Bible could be displayed, recognized, and cited in public buildings, laws, policies, and schools.
  • Textual Scope: Specifically references the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments as part of the Holy Bible.
  • Legal Reference: The amendment would be numbered “Amendment No. 1” and would follow the standard constitutional amendment process under Article Eleven, Chapter 3 of the WV Code.

Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Public Institutions: Public buildings, state policies, laws, and school systems in West Virginia could display and reference the Holy Bible as the official foundational text.
  • Public Policy and Education: Policies and curriculum decisions could incorporate the Holy Bible as an authoritative reference.
  • Constitutional Framework: The amendment would add a new constitutional provision (Section 9) to Article II, altering the state’s foundational legal framework.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Introduction and Referral: Filed January 29, 2026; referred to the House Judiciary Committee.
  • Next Steps if Passed by Legislature: The proposal would be submitted to West Virginia voters at the next general election in 2026 for ratification or rejection.
  • Voting Requirement for Amendment: Requires two-thirds of the members elected to each house to agree to place the amendment on the ballot.
  • Ballot Question: If ratified, the amendment would become part of the West Virginia Constitution as “Amendment No. 1” with the stated purpose.

Potential Implications (Contextual)

  • The amendment would explicitly elevate the Holy Bible to an official constitutional status and authorize its use as an authoritative text in government and education settings.
  • Could raise questions about the separation of church and state and how the Bible’s status would interact with constitutional rights, non-discrimination laws, and inclusive public education policies.
  • If approved, the provision could influence the presentation of religious content in public institutions and potentially affect interpretive standards in policy and law.

Summary

HJR 32 proposes a constitutional amendment to add a new Section 9 to Article II, recognizing the Holy Bible as the foundational text and official book of West Virginia. It would authorize the Bible’s display, recognition, and citation in public buildings, laws, policies, and schools. The measure would go to voters in the 2026 general election if the legislature passes it with the requisite two-thirds majority in both chambers.

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

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