Creating additional sentences for convicted inmates who test positive for illegal substances or who are found to be in possession of illegal or controlled substances

HB 2535 would require West Virginia inmates in state prisons to face additional prison time if found with illegal drugs or testing positive for drug use while incarcerated. For a first offense, inmates would have six months added to their current sentence; for a second or subsequent offense, one year would be added per incident, served consecutively. The bill mandates drug testing to begin after three months of incarceration for all inmates, with additional testing allowed if staff suspects drug use. This directly affects individuals serving sentences in West Virginia correctional facilities who test positive or possess drugs during their imprisonment.