Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4345: Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence

HB 4345 requires law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to permanently retain all records and evidence for missing persons cases that remain unresolved after one year. It mandates that agencies digitize all documentation and physical/biological evidence for these cases and transmit the complete records to the West Virginia Fusion Center. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (including county and municipal departments) by establishing new requirements for record retention, digitization, and database sharing. Key provisions include banning destruction of unresolved case files, requiring secure digital storage, and ensuring evidence is preserved permanently. This applies to all missing persons cases, not just children or high-risk situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement to permanently retain and digitize missing persons evidence, supporting criminal justice system integrity by preserving critical data for future investigations and prosecutions.80% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4552: Relating to the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers

HB 4552 clarifies that correctional officers in West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation who complete required training are recognized as law-enforcement officers. The bill authorizes these officers to make arrests on facility property for violations of state law, detain escapees, and carry firearms both on and off duty (with annual firearms training). It also establishes that qualifying officers are recognized under federal law (18 U.S.C. §926B) for off-duty carry and retirement benefits. The policy directly affects correctional officers employed by the Division, expanding their legal authority and equipment access while specifying training and certification requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands law enforcement authority for correctional officers in facilities, strengthening their role within the corrections system.95% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4996: Relating to bail in cases involving terroristic threats to schools or children

HB 4996 requires courts to impose mandatory bail conditions for defendants charged with terroristic threats against schools or child-focused facilities (like preschools or daycares). It prohibits defendants from residing within 1,000 feet of the threatened facility or any similar educational location where children are regularly present. Additional conditions may include GPS monitoring to enforce exclusion zones, no contact with students/staff, or home incarceration outside the restricted area. Violations trigger immediate arrest, bail forfeiture, or custody remand, with courts using GIS or property records to measure proximity. The bill directly affects individuals facing charges under §61-6-24(b) related to school threats.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates stricter bail conditions including exclusion zones and GPS monitoring for terroristic threats against schools, increasing restrictions on defendants and reducing their rights.92% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4053: To establish the blue envelope program.

HB 4053 establishes the "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities during traffic stops. Eligible drivers (with a valid license/permit) can request a specially designed blue envelope containing their license, registration, and emergency contact information, along with a vehicle decal and communication guidance for officers. The program, set to launch January 1, 2027, will be administered through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, sheriff's offices, and police stations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes safer law enforcement interactions for vulnerable populations during traffic stops, reducing potential escalation - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of improving police accountability and communication.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by improving law enforcement communication during traffic stops for drivers with disabilities, aligning with vehicle regulation safety indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4415: Creating crime of attempting to smuggle contraband into federal correctional institutions within the state

HB 4415 amends West Virginia law to explicitly include federal correctional facilities in existing statutes prohibiting the smuggling of prohibited items into correctional settings. The bill makes it a misdemeanor to deliver items like food, clothing, or money without permission (fines up to $500, jail up to 12 months) and a felony to transport weapons, drugs, escape tools, or telecommunications devices (fines $1,000-$5,000, prison 1-10 years). It directly affects individuals attempting to smuggle contraband into federal prisons located within West Virginia, such as visitors, family members, or others delivering unauthorized items. The law updates prior penalties for smuggling into state facilities to apply uniformly to federal correctional institutions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by imposing penalties for smuggling contraband into correctional facilities, aligning with 'expands criminalization' indicator.85% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts telecommunications devices in prisons, limiting technology access as specified in felony provisions for transporting such devices.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 25, 2026

HB 5067: Relating to the powers and duties of the director of the Division of Administrative Services

HB 5067 clarifies the Division of Administrative Services' role in managing federal grants for law enforcement. It allows the Director to directly partner with law enforcement agencies (like the State Police) to apply for and administer federal grants restricted to such agencies. The bill also removes a previous requirement for the Deputy Secretary to hear certain appeals, instead directing the Office of Administrative Hearings to handle appeals from the Governor’s Committee on Crime subcommittees. This affects how state agencies coordinate federal grant funding and process appeals related to law enforcement certification decisions. The changes streamline grant administration but do not create new law enforcement powers.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill streamlines federal grant access for law enforcement agencies, enabling funding for criminal justice programs through direct administrative partnerships.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property

SB 84 prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers from installing surveillance cameras on private property without either the property owner's consent or a valid search warrant. This directly affects police departments and private landowners by requiring legal authorization before placing cameras on fenced, posted, or cultivated land owned by non-government entities. Exceptions allow installation in areas visible to the public without authorization or during emergencies where obtaining consent/warrant isn't feasible. The bill defines "surveillance camera" to exclude police vehicle dash or body cameras but explicitly covers devices like game cameras used for observation. It applies to all law enforcement officers, including state natural resources agents, under West Virginia law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants/consent for police surveillance on private property, protecting civil rights and enhancing law enforcement accountability per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts unauthorized surveillance tech use, protecting property owners' privacy rights per data privacy indicators.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

vetoed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

HB 4393: Requiring the development and implementation of statewide prevention plan

HB 4393 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DoHS) to create and implement a statewide prevention plan by February 1, 2027. The plan must provide trauma-informed, evidence-based services to children under 18 and their families - including youth in foster care, pregnant and parenting youth, those aging out of foster care (up to age 21), post-adoption youth, and families with economic or safety needs. DoHS must ensure providers offer accessible services (combining telehealth and physical locations), track outcomes, and report annually on service usage, costs, and results by county. The plan also aims to qualify for federal matching funds under the Family First Prevention Services Act by 2028.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevention plan for at-risk youth reduces future justice system involvement, aligns with reform goals like trauma-informed care and early intervention for juvenile populations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

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vetoed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

HB 4893: Increase the penalties for contempt of court in a magistrate court

HB 4893 increases penalties for contempt of court in West Virginia magistrate courts. It raises maximum fines for contempt: from $50 to $200 for a first offense, $100 to $500 for a second offense, and $100 to $1,000 (or up to 10 days in jail) for a third or subsequent offense related to the same matter. The bill applies directly to individuals disrupting court proceedings, including witnesses, jurors, parties, or officers who commit contempt. These changes take effect for offenses occurring after the bill's passage, with appeals still allowed to circuit court as in criminal cases.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for contempt of court, expanding criminalization and increasing punitive measures against court disruptions.90% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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passed both · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 13, 2026

HB 4603: Relating to the creation of the process of obtaining and adjudicating a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition

HB 4603 creates a new process for resolving certain criminal and juvenile cases without a formal court trial. It establishes a system allowing courts to offer alternatives like community service or counseling instead of a conviction for eligible cases, such as criminal charges that could lead to jail time or juvenile proceedings. The bill amends existing West Virginia law to define and incorporate this "pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition" process, specifying which cases qualify and how they are handled. This change aims to provide non-punitive resolutions for qualifying cases while streamlining court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates pre-adjudicatory alternatives (community service/counseling) to avoid convictions, reducing recidivism and aligning with reform goals per bill's purpose.85% confidence | Rep's Stance Voted absent

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