Relating to resident protection

HB 5393 amends West Virginia's bankruptcy law to allow surviving spouses to claim their deceased spouse's homestead exemption if they continue living in the home they owned together. The bill specifically adds that a surviving spouse may claim the deceased spouse's $35,000 homestead exemption (the current limit for primary residences) as long as the home remains owned by the surviving spouse. This change directly affects married couples where one spouse dies while owning a home, ensuring the surviving spouse retains protection for their primary residence in bankruptcy proceedings. The provision does not alter existing exemption amounts or create new categories beyond the surviving spouse scenario.