Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 4: Relating to crimes against public justice

West Virginia Senate Bill 4 creates a new law requiring people to stay at least 30 feet away from first responders (including police, firefighters, probation officers, and emergency medical personnel) while they are lawfully performing duties. It makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly approach within 30 feet after being verbally warned, if the action impedes their work, threatens them, or harasses them (defined as causing substantial emotional distress without legitimate purpose). Violators face fines of $50-$500, up to one year in jail, or both. The bill directly affects individuals near emergency scenes and aims to protect responders from interference. It amends West Virginia Code §61-5-30.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProtects law enforcement by creating buffer zones around first responders during duties, enhancing officer safety and operational effectiveness.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✗ Voted No ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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 Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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vetoed · West Virginia · Senate Apr 1, 2026

SB 705: Creating offense of theft by conversion

SB 705 creates a new criminal offense called "theft by conversion" in West Virginia, targeting individuals who unlawfully use funds or property they were entrusted with under an agreement. It directly affects people handling others' assets (like rental companies, contractors, or anyone with a legal obligation to manage property), such as leased equipment or payments. The bill sets penalties: misdemeanors for amounts under $2,500 (up to 1 year in jail or $1,000 fine), and felonies for $2,500 or more (1-10 years in prison or fines up to $2,500). It requires courts to order restitution to victims and specifies where cases can be prosecuted (e.g., defendant’s, victim’s, or property location county). The law applies to property valued over $100, excluding late fees.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense with penalties, expanding criminalization under theft laws per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 4997: Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats

HB 4997 prohibits individuals convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children (under §61-6-24(b)) from residing within 1,000 feet of any educational facility, including public/private schools, preschools, or daycares where children are regularly present. This residency restriction applies automatically during probation or parole, or as a sentencing condition if no supervision is ordered. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both, and may lead to revocation of probation. The bill uses GIS or property records to measure proximity and aligns with existing sex offender residency rules under §62-12-26.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates automatic residency restrictions near schools for terroristic threats convicts, classifies violations as felonies with 1-5 year sentences, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 12, 2026

HB 4695: To double the criminal penalty for anyone found guilty of sexual assault on a minor

HB 4695 doubles criminal penalties for specific offenses against minors in West Virginia. It increases maximum prison terms and fines for sexual assault in the third degree (from 5 to 10 years/ $10,000 to $20,000), sexual abuse in the third degree (from 3 to 5 years/ $500 to $1,000), child neglect resulting in death (from 15 to 40 years/ $5,000 to $10,000), and sexual abuse by parents/guardians (from 20 to 40 years/ $5,000 to $10,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these crimes against minors under 16 years old or in positions of trust over children. These changes amend sections §61-8B-5, §61-8B-9, §61-8D-4a, and §61-8D-5 of West Virginia law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeDoubles penalties for sexual assault on minors, increasing mandatory sentences and fines - expands criminalization and harsher sentencing, opposing reform-focused justice goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

HB 4468: Relating to confidentiality of court files and law-enforcement records

HB 4468 seeks to repeal Section 61-8B-19 of the West Virginia Code, which currently sets rules for keeping court files and law-enforcement records confidential. This bill would remove the existing legal requirements governing how these records must be handled and protected. It directly affects West Virginia courts and law enforcement agencies, which currently follow these confidentiality rules. The bill does not propose new rules for confidentiality but would eliminate the current statutory framework.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeRepealing confidentiality rules weakens privacy protections for court/law enforcement records, reducing oversight in criminal justice operations.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

HB 4179: To create felony charge for individuals who assault police officers or police dogs

HB 4179 creates a new felony charge for individuals who injure or kill animals used by law enforcement or fire officials, such as police dogs or horses. It replaces existing provisions and adds specific penalties for harming these animals, including 3-15 years in prison. The bill also requires restitution for victims, covering veterinary costs and replacement expenses for injured or killed animals. This directly affects anyone who assaults or harms trained animals working with police, fire, or emergency response teams. The law focuses on concrete penalties and financial accountability, not broader policy speculation.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeCreates new felony charge for harming police animals, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties per bill's explicit language.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✗ Opposes Criminal Justice

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