SB177Introduced in the Senate
Criminal Law - Obstruction or Interference With Exercise of Religious Beliefs - Prohibition
Introduced by Chris West, District 42
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
Writing a plain-English summary of this bill… this can take a few seconds the first time.
Official description
Prohibiting a person from using force, threat of force, or physical obstruction to interfere with or physically injure another while the other is lawfully exercising or attempting to lawfully exercise religious beliefs at a place of religious worship; and establishing that a violation of the Act is a misdemeanor with a penalty of imprisonment not exceeding 90 days or a fine not exceeding $1,000 or both on conviction.
Where it stands
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 425
May 12, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
Senate votes
1 recorded vote · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Third Reading Passed · April 3, 2026
119
Yes
0
No
22
Absent or Not Voting
141 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Jason Buckel | 1 | Yes |
| Terry Baker | 1 | Absent |
| Jim Hinebaugh | 1 | Not Voting |
| William Wivell | 2 | Yes |
| William Valentine | 2 | Yes |
| Matthew Schindler | 2 | Yes |
| Ken Kerr | 3 | Yes |
| Kris Fair | 3 | Yes |
| Karen Simpson | 3 | Yes |
| Barrie Ciliberti | 4 | Absent |
Bill history
Pre-filed
First Reading Judicial Proceedings
Hearing 1/20 at 1:00 p.m.
Favorable with Amendments Report by Judicial Proceedings
Favorable with Amendments {413927/1
Committee Amendment Adopted
Motion Special Order until 3/4 (Senator Kagan) Adopted
Favorable with Amendments Adopted
Second Reading Passed with Amendments
Third Reading Passed (44-0)
Referred Judiciary
Favorable Report by Judiciary
Favorable Adopted Second Reading Passed
Third Reading Passed (119-0)
Returned Passed
Approved by the Governor - Chapter 425
Verify the information
Our commitment to neutrality
We provide factual information only. We never tell you which politicians or bills to support, and we do not rank, score, or endorse anyone.