HB 3059 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2025 Regular Session

Making it a mandatory 25 year sentence for an assault on any law enforcement or animal

HB 3059 would require a mandatory minimum 25-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of maliciously assaulting a law enforcement officer while the officer is performing their duties. The bill specifically targets assaults on law enforcement officers (defined under West Virginia law), not animals as the title incorrectly states - this appears to be an error in the bill's title. It replaces the current sentencing range of 3-15 years for malicious assault with a fixed 25-year minimum. This change would apply to individuals who intentionally cause bodily injury to officers acting in their official capacity.

Issues: ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared

Introduction

Feb 2025

Committee Review

Floor Vote

Governor

Introduced Feb 28, 2025 Last action Feb 28, 2025

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What changed between versions

Introduced Version → Committee Substitute · 5 edits

MODERATE

The bill was completely rewritten from a criminal assault statute into a railroad regulation law. The original version focused on sentencing for assaulting law enforcement and emergency workers, while the new version grants the Public Service Commission authority to regulate railroad operations, safety, and financial practices.

Scope change

The bill's scope changed entirely from criminal law enforcement to administrative regulation of railroads by the Public Service Commission.

SCOPE

Removed all provisions related to criminal penalties for assaulting government representatives, healthcare workers, utility workers, emergency personnel, and law enforcement officers.

Added comprehensive authority for the Public Service Commission to regulate railroad operations, including management inquiries, rate investigations, and safety inspections.

REQUIREMENT

Created new requirements for railroads to file annual financial statements, maintain depots and facilities, file transportation schedules, and report accidents.

ENFORCEMENT

Established new enforcement mechanisms including fines, forfeiture penalties, and expedited trial procedures for railroad violations.

DEFINITION

Added a new definition of 'railroad' to include various transportation companies and equipment operators.

Floor votes

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Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 28, 2025

Committee

To House Judiciary

lower

Feb 28, 2025

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

Feb 28, 2025

Committee

To Judiciary

lower

1 primary · 2 co-sponsors