To ensure felonies or violent misdemeanors are not eligible for personal recognizance discharge from jail

HB 4648 amends West Virginia's bail laws to require individuals accused of felonies or violent misdemeanors to post bond before being released from jail, eliminating their eligibility for release on personal recognizance (i.e., without posting money or collateral). The bill specifically prohibits judges from releasing such defendants without bail and increases the cash bail threshold for nonviolent felonies, with annual inflation adjustments starting July 1, 2026. These changes apply directly to people charged with offenses covered under the bill’s definitions, including violent misdemeanors involving threats, weapons, or minors. The law modifies sections §62-1C-1 and §62-1C-1a of the West Virginia Code to enforce these bail requirements.