Criminal Justice

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 22, 2026

HB 4722: Relating to false judicial accusations after a determination of falsity

HB 4722 creates a new offense for knowingly making or spreading false claims in court or legal proceedings after being notified the claim is false, with intent to cause harm. It imposes criminal penalties (misdemeanor for first offense, felony for repeat) and enhanced penalties for cases leading to arrest, loss of custody, or job loss. Upon conviction, courts must order restitution, correct false records, and assist with expungement, while victims can sue for damages including triple damages for repeat violations. The bill also establishes a confidential registry for convicted individuals and includes protections for good-faith reports.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents wrongful convictions by penalizing false court claims, requiring record correction/expungement, and enabling victim restitution - aligns with accountability and reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Victims' Rights

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 137: Modifying parole eligibility for crime of second degree murder and voluntary manslaughter

SB 137 increases the minimum time inmates must serve before becoming eligible for parole for second-degree murder and voluntary manslaughter convictions in West Virginia. Specifically, it raises the parole eligibility minimum from 10 years to 15 years for second-degree murder (under §61-2-3) and from 3 years to 5 years for voluntary manslaughter (under §61-2-4). The bill also increases the minimum period for parole eligibility for those sentenced to life imprisonment. These changes directly affect individuals convicted of these specific violent crimes, requiring them to serve longer sentences before parole consideration.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases minimum parole eligibility (10→15 years for murder, 3→5 for manslaughter), making sentences harsher and opposing criminal justice reform trends that seek reduced incarceration.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 205: Increasing penalties and parole eligibility requirements for homicide

SB 205 increases prison terms for second-degree murder (to 15-60 years) and voluntary manslaughter (to 5-25 years) in West Virginia. It also raises the minimum time served before parole eligibility to 15 years for second-degree murder and 5 years for voluntary manslaughter. The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these specific violent crimes, requiring longer sentences before parole consideration. These changes amend existing sentencing statutes without altering parole eligibility for other offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory prison terms and parole eligibility thresholds for homicide, expanding sentencing severity and reducing defendant rights, opposing reform-focused criminal justice policies.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Probation & Parole Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 158: Patrolman Cassie Marie Johnson Memorial Act

This bill, formally titled the Patrolman Cassie Marie Johnson Memorial Act, amends West Virginia's murder sentencing laws to require the death penalty for first-degree murder when specific aggravating circumstances exist - particularly if the victim was a law enforcement officer killed in the line of duty. It establishes new procedures for jury sentencing, including requiring unanimous jury decisions on death penalty imposition based on specified aggravating factors (like killing an officer) and mitigating circumstances. The bill also mandates lethal injection as the execution method, requires automatic Supreme Court review of death sentences, and specifies protocols for handling death penalty cases, such as forensic DNA testing and transfer to correctional facilities. The memorial name honors Patrolman Cassie Marie Johnson but does not alter the bill's substantive legal provisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates death penalty for killing officers, increasing mandatory sentences - opposes reform by expanding harsh penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Sentencing

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

HB 4712: Increasing the criminal penalties for DUI causing death to be known as “Baylea’s Law.”

HB 4712, known as "Baylea's Law," increases criminal penalties for drivers convicted of DUI that causes death or injury in West Virginia. It raises prison sentences to 3-30 years for DUI causing death (up from prior limits), 2-10 years for serious bodily injury, and up to 1 year for lesser bodily injury. The bill also mandates license revocation for 10 years (or permanently) for DUI causing death, 5 years for serious injury, and 2 years for minor injuries, with options to reinstate through a "test and lock program." This law directly affects drivers convicted of DUI-related offenses resulting in harm to others, including minors or fetuses as defined by the law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory prison sentences and license revocations for DUI offenses, expanding criminal penalties rather than promoting reform or reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4131: Create a Police Officer’s Bill of Rights

HB 4131, titled "Create a Police Officer’s Bill of Rights," establishes procedural protections for law enforcement officers in West Virginia. It defines "law-enforcement officer" broadly to include state police, campus police, hospital police, and others (excluding chiefs and some specialized roles), and creates specific rights during investigations, such as the right to a hearing board, protection against retaliation for reporting misconduct, and limits on disclosure of personal financial information. Key mechanisms include requiring formal hearings for complaints, prohibiting disciplinary action for exercising these rights, and ensuring officers cannot be punished for reporting issues like gross mismanagement or safety dangers. The bill supersedes conflicting local laws but does not limit a chief's authority for non-punitive management decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill establishes procedural protections for officers during investigations, reducing oversight and accountability mechanisms by requiring hearing boards and limiting disclosure of personal information.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 157: Reorganizing several provisions of bail statutes

This bill reorganizes West Virginia's bail statutes to clarify procedures for pretrial release. It mandates release on recognizance (without paying bail) for most misdemeanor defendants unless they face specific offenses like violent misdemeanors, crimes against minors, or drug offenses. Judicial officers must consider factors like the nature of the offense, defendant's criminal history, and ability to pay when setting bail, while setting a maximum cash bail amount for misdemeanors. The bill removes outdated provisions about bail amounts for multiple charges and requires courts to provide specific information for recognizance releases, directly affecting misdemeanor defendants and court proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates release on recognizance for most misdemeanors, considers ability to pay, and sets max cash bail - aligns with criminal justice reform goals to reduce pretrial detention and protect defendant rights.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4812: To ensure that West Virginia law enforcement entities are not compelled or commandeered by federal authorities to conduct activities that violate our citizens’ Constitutional rights

HB 4812, the West Virginia Anti-Federal Commandeering Act, prohibits federal authorities from compelling state or local law enforcement agencies to conduct activities that violate constitutional rights. It defines "commandeering" as federal control of state resources without explicit state authorization and requires such authorization for any federal request. The bill empowers the West Virginia Attorney General to challenge federal actions deemed unconstitutional and to publish model policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all West Virginia law enforcement entities, including local police departments and state agencies, by preventing federal coercion of their personnel or resources. The law aims to protect constitutional rights while allowing cooperation on lawful federal-state law enforcement efforts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects constitutional rights from federal overreach in law enforcement, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HB 4085: To increase penalties for selling or facilitating the sale of alcohol to a minor.

HB 4085 increases criminal penalties for selling or facilitating alcohol sales to minors under 21 in West Virginia. It amends sections of the state code (§11-16-18, §11-16-19, and §60-3A-24) to raise fines and potential jail time for licensees, employees, or others who sell or provide alcohol to underage individuals. The bill directly affects bars, restaurants, and retailers that serve alcohol, as well as staff who violate these rules. Key provisions include stricter enforcement of existing prohibitions against serving minors and enhanced penalties for violations. The bill aims to strengthen deterrence against underage alcohol access without changing the underlying prohibition.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for underage alcohol sales, expanding criminalization of minor offenses under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 601: Authorizing medical parole for certain inmates

Senate Bill 601 authorizes medical parole for West Virginia inmates with terminal illnesses, medical incapacity, or geriatric conditions (defined as age 55+ with chronic health issues requiring daily assistance). It creates a formal process where inmates or their representatives can submit a petition including a detailed medical parole plan outlining diagnosis, treatment, care location, and financial coverage. Correctional superintendents must review petitions within 72 hours of a terminal illness diagnosis and develop a plan if missing, with the commissioner making the final decision. This policy directly affects eligible incarcerated individuals meeting the defined medical criteria, offering a structured pathway for release based on health needs rather than traditional parole.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAuthorizes medical parole for terminally ill/geriatric inmates, reducing unnecessary incarceration - a recognized criminal justice reform measure.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareRequires detailed medical parole plans including diagnosis, treatment, and care location, improving healthcare access for terminally ill inmates.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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