Senate Bill 503 would require the national motto of the United States, “In God We Trust,” to be displayed in West Virginia state office buildings and in the individual offices of state agencies, boards, commissions, and similar entities housed in those buildings. The bill defines what counts as a state office building and an agency office, and it requires the motto to be placed in a conspicuous public location where it is visible to the public. It also sets minimum display standards, including a durable sign size of at least 8.5 by 11 inches, and allows—but does not require—a depiction of the U.S. flag, while prohibiting any additional language or imagery on the display.
The bill further provides that no state funds may be used to comply with the mandate, but agencies may accept private donations to cover the cost. The Department of Administration is authorized to issue nonbinding guidance to help with implementation, and the bill would take effect on July 1, 2026. In practical terms, the measure would create a new article in the West Virginia Code governing motto displays in state buildings and would impose compliance obligations on state agencies occupying those facilities.
Impact
SB503 would add a new article to the West Virginia Code requiring state office buildings and agency offices to display the official U.S. motto, creating a new statutory obligation for state agencies, boards, commissions, and offices operating in covered buildings. It would affect state facilities management and agency compliance practices, while limiting implementation to private donations rather than state appropriations. The bill would also give the Department of Administration a limited role in issuing guidance, but not enforcement rules, and would establish a statewide standard for the size and content of the required display.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and available context, the measure appears to be presented as a straightforward affirmation of the national motto in government buildings, with no recorded committee debate or vote history provided. The sponsor list suggests support from a group of Senate Republicans, indicating likely favorable sentiment among the bill’s backers. Because no transcripts or votes are included, there is no documented opposition in the provided materials, but the bill’s subject matter is the kind that can draw constitutional or policy scrutiny in other settings.
Contention
The main potential points of contention are the requirement to display a religiously phrased national motto in public buildings, the prohibition on using state funds, and the mandate that each agency office independently ensure compliance. Supporters are likely to frame the bill as a patriotic or traditional expression of the official U.S. motto, while critics may question whether mandatory displays in government offices raise church-state concerns or create administrative burdens for agencies. The restriction on any additional language or imagery may also be debated as overly rigid, even though the bill allows private donations to fund the displays.