Criminal Justice

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026

HB 4898: Requiring the West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide an inmate with one physical copy of their birth certificate and social security card upon release

HB 4898 requires West Virginia's Division of Corrections to provide every person on probation with one physical copy of their birth certificate and one physical copy of their Social Security card upon release from any correctional facility. This applies specifically to individuals being released after serving time under probation supervision. The bill mandates this document handout as a standard procedure, ensuring probationers have essential identification documents immediately after release. It directly affects all probationers exiting West Virginia correctional facilities, helping them access services like employment, housing, or government benefits that require these documents. The requirement is a straightforward administrative change with no additional fees or conditions specified.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides essential ID documents upon release to reduce reintegration barriers, directly supporting criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 28, 2026

SB 396: Creating WV Job training and Placement Act

SB 396 creates the West Virginia Job Training and Placement Act, allowing certified retailers (specifically "workforce training community centers" meeting strict criteria) to keep 75% of sales tax revenue collected after their first $1 million in annual sales. These retailers must use the retained funds exclusively to provide job training and placement services for people facing barriers to employment, such as disabilities, criminal records, homelessness, or low education. The law requires certified organizations to serve at least three people per $10,000 retained, with an average of 2.25 successful job placements, and to monitor job retention for 90 days. Certification lasts three years, with renewal possible, and organizations must report usage to the state Department of Revenue.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesBill redirects sales tax revenue to fund job training programs via tax retention, aligning with funding essential public services through fiscal policy.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill explicitly targets individuals with criminal records for job training services, aiming to reduce recidivism through employment opportunities as part of rehabilitation.90% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingBill funds job training for homeless individuals, directly addressing homelessness under housing topic indicators.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill funds job training/placement for barrier groups (disabilities, criminal records, etc.), directly advancing employment standards and worker opportunities.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Homelessness Professional Licensing Workforce Development

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 29, 2026

HB 4923: Protecting Due Process in Firearm Confiscation Related to Protective Orders

This bill changes West Virginia law for domestic violence protective orders by requiring a court hearing with the respondent present and represented by counsel before restricting firearms. It mandates that courts must find "clear and convincing evidence" of an immediate danger (via documented threats or sworn testimony), not just general allegations, and prohibits using firearm confiscation as punishment. Respondents would automatically receive a 10-day appeal of any firearm restriction in the protective order. The bill directly affects individuals subject to domestic violence protective orders who might face firearm restrictions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires clear evidence standard and appeal rights for firearm confiscation, strengthening due process in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Domestic Violence Firearms

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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

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 231: Relating to value-based payment requirements

This bill establishes a value-based payment system for West Virginia's Medicaid addiction care services, shifting from fee-for-service to rewarding providers based on patient recovery outcomes. It directly affects Medicaid providers treating substance use disorders by requiring them to use standardized billing codes starting in 2027 and report on five specific outcome metrics: housing stability, sobriety, avoidance of criminal justice involvement, self-sufficiency (employment/education), and provider transition plans. The bill mandates data collection and analysis by the Bureau for Medical Services to develop these metrics, with value-based payments requiring implementation by 2028. The goal is to create a coordinated care system focused on long-term recovery success rather than fragmented service volume.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill requires tracking 'avoidance of criminal justice involvement' as a key outcome metric, directly aligning with recidivism reduction goals in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareShifts Medicaid addiction care to value-based payments focused on recovery outcomes, improving patient care quality and aligning with mental health service support.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Medicaid Mental Health Substance Abuse

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

HB 4819: Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession

HB 4819 would change West Virginia's licensing rules for professions requiring state authorization. It prevents disqualification for most past criminal convictions unless the crime directly relates to the profession's duties and poses a clear public risk. Licensing agencies must now consider factors like the crime's nature, time passed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation (such as completed treatment or employment history) before denying a license. Applicants with past convictions can petition for reconsideration after five years without new offenses (excluding violent/sexual crimes), with agencies required to respond within 60 days. This affects all individuals seeking professional licenses in West Virginia, including fields like healthcare, education, or licensed trades.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces licensing barriers for individuals with past convictions by requiring rehabilitation consideration, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism and support reentry.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers for healthcare professionals with past convictions, expanding workforce access and improving patient access to services by reducing licensing restrictions.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill removes unnecessary barriers to professional licensing for individuals with criminal records, expanding employment opportunities and promoting fair hiring practices per employment standards.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Professional Licensing Tags Licensing

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026

HB 4890: A 10% raise to non-uniformed corrections workers

HB 4890 would provide a 10% annual pay increase for non-uniformed administrative staff and personnel at West Virginia's Division of Corrections, Division of Juvenile Services, and the West Virginia Regional Jail and Correctional Facility Authority, effective July 1, 2026. This adjustment aims to address staffing challenges by helping retain current workers and attract new employees to these correctional facilities. Funding would come from general revenue for the Division of Corrections and Juvenile Services, and from a special revenue fund for the Regional Jail Authority, avoiding additional general fund appropriations. The bill also requires that the pay increase be applied even if it exceeds the current maximum pay grade for an employee's position.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesFunds correctional staff pay increases via general revenue, strengthening public service staffing and retention. Directly advances state budget allocation for essential government operations.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds correctional staff salaries to address staffing challenges, supporting operational stability in corrections, aligning with funding indicators for criminal justice support.95% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentDirectly increases wages for correctional workers by 10% to address staffing challenges, advancing worker compensation standards per bill summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue State Budget Corrections Juvenile Justice

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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

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 16, 2026

SB 454: Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act

SB 454, the "Stop Non-Consensual Distribution of Intimate Deep Fake Media Act," makes it illegal to intentionally distribute deep fake media falsely depicting a person engaging in sexual conduct without their consent, specifically when done to harass, coerce, or damage their reputation. The law applies to anyone distributing such content (e.g., through social media or sharing), while excluding constitutionally protected speech like political satire or works with clear disclaimers that the media is manipulated. Violations carry penalties of up to $10,000 fines or five years in prison for repeat offenses, with lesser penalties for other cases, and allow courts to issue restraining orders to stop ongoing distribution. This directly affects individuals whose images are misused without consent and those creating or sharing non-consensual deep fakes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates new criminal offense for non-consensual deepfake distribution, protecting victims from harassment and reputation harm under criminal law95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyCriminalizes non-consensual deepfake distribution, protecting privacy from technology-enabled harassment and reputational harm.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Human Trafficking Artificial Intelligence Social Media

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 139: Allowing for testimony of spouses in certain criminal cases

SB 139 (West Virginia Senate Bill 139) amends state law to allow one spouse to testify against the other in criminal cases involving offenses committed against a child, grandchild, or vulnerable family member (such as a minor, parent, or person with a disability). The bill specifically removes the requirement for mutual consent when a spouse seeks to testify about crimes against these protected individuals. It directly affects spouses in criminal trials where one partner is accused of harming a child or vulnerable relative. The change clarifies that such testimony can be compelled without the accused spouse's consent, while maintaining that a spouse's refusal to testify cannot be used as evidence against the accused.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves mutual consent barrier for spousal testimony in crimes against vulnerable victims, enhancing prosecution of serious offenses against protected individuals.95% confidence

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