Increasing penalty for second degree murder

SB 195 would increase the minimum prison sentence for second-degree murder in West Virginia from 10 years to 15 years. It also requires individuals convicted under this law to serve at least 15 years before becoming eligible for parole, or the longer period specified in another law (§62-12-13), whichever applies. This bill directly affects people convicted of second-degree murder in West Virginia, changing their mandatory minimum sentence and parole eligibility. The key provision raises the minimum term and modifies parole rules without altering the maximum 40-year sentence. The bill is currently in the Senate Judiciary Committee after being introduced on January 14, 2026.