HB 4478 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to racing facilities

HB 4478 creates legal immunity for West Virginia racing facilities from certain civil claims by surrounding property owners. It protects facilities operating lawfully for five or more years against lawsuits based on noise, vibration, nuisance, or similar claims brought by owners who acquired property after the facility opened or failed to sue within five years. The bill also prohibits local governments from enacting rules that conflict with this immunity. Key provisions include defining "racing facility" broadly and stating that compliance with state/federal law is prima facie evidence of reasonable operation. The law would take effect immediately upon passage.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026 Last action Jan 27, 2026
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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
6
Key actions
0
Committee
3
Jan 26, 2026
Committee
To House Legal Services
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 8 co-sponsors

Sponsors