Criminal Justice

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 145: Relating to compensation for panel attorneys

SB 145 increases compensation for attorneys representing indigent clients in criminal, juvenile, and abuse/neglect cases, as well as for guardians ad litem appointed by West Virginia courts. It requires Public Defender Services to process payment claims within 45 business days and establishes clear procedures for resolving disputes over rejected or reduced payments, including court review. The bill also mandates an annual report summarizing legal services provided by guardians ad litem. This directly affects panel attorneys, guardians ad litem, and the Public Defender Services agency.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases compensation for indigent defense attorneys in criminal cases, strengthening access to legal representation and aligning with criminal justice reform goals.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Juvenile Justice

Track

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 105: Restricting public access to crime records

SB 105 (Restricting public access to crime records) allows certain individuals with pardoned or dismissed criminal charges to petition a court to limit public access to their records. Eligible individuals must have received a full pardon (with no recent non-traffic convictions or pending charges) or had charges dismissed/reduced to a local ordinance violation. The court can restrict access if it determines the harm to the person outweighs public interest, after a hearing and publication notice. Records remain accessible for sentencing, law enforcement, bar admissions, and other specific official uses, but are restricted for general public view. This bill does not apply to violent crimes, animal violence, or certain drug offenses involving violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows sealing records for pardoned/dismissed cases, reducing barriers to reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Sentencing

Track

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

Sub-Topics Corrections Policing Probation & Parole

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 16: Creating Child Protection Investigations Reform Act

SB 16, the Child Protection Investigations Reform Act, requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services to provide specific information to parents or custodians accused of child abuse or neglect at the start of an investigation. The bill mandates two key notifications: (1) a plain-language "Parent’s Guide" explaining investigation steps, court processes, and confidentiality, and (2) a verbal/written summary detailing the person’s rights, including the right to legal counsel, refusal of medical exams, and protection under the Fourth Amendment. These requirements apply only to investigations initiated on or after July 1, 2026, and do not change existing investigation procedures. The law aims to ensure individuals understand their rights during child protective services proceedings.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates rights notifications (including legal counsel) during investigations, protecting civil rights in criminal justice process per bill's plain-language requirements.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 4507: Relating to allowing a personal income tax exemption for First Responders

HB 4507 would exempt the salaries of certain first responders from West Virginia's state personal income tax. It directly affects law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel as defined in existing state law. The bill adds a new provision to the tax code stating these workers' salaries are not subject to state income tax. This change applies only to their earned income from these specific roles, not other income they may receive.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts first responders' salaries from state income tax, providing direct tax relief for middle-income public safety workers.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides tax exemption for law enforcement and correctional officers, directly funding their salaries to support workforce retention in criminal justice system.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Incentives Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4682: Fourth Amendment Restoration Act

HB 4682, the Fourth Amendment Restoration Act, prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers and local government officials from using specific surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies without a warrant. It bans real-time security monitoring, facial recognition, license plate readers, surveillance drones, and other listed tools for law enforcement purposes unless a court issues a warrant based on probable cause. Violators face felony charges with penalties including up to one year in prison and $10,000 fines per violation. The bill also allows individuals to sue officials who violate these restrictions and requires immediate discontinuation of existing use of banned technologies by all local governments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement surveillance tech without warrants, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability per Fourth Amendment protections.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts law enforcement use of surveillance/AI tech without warrants, limiting facial recognition, drones, and license plate readers per bill's explicit prohibitions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4630: Pedophilia Prosecution Act

HB 4630, titled the "Pedophilia Prosecution Act," amends West Virginia's computer crime law to strengthen penalties for using digital platforms to solicit minors for sexual activity. It defines "minor" as anyone under 18 or someone claiming to be under 18, and increases penalties for solicitation (up to 10 years in prison) and for traveling to meet a minor after solicitation (up to 30 years). The bill removes a current restriction requiring all investigations of false minor claims to be conducted solely by law enforcement, allowing broader investigative authority. This change directly affects adults over 18 who use computers to target minors for illegal sexual acts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for soliciting minors (up to 10 years) and traveling to meet minors (up to 30 years), strengthening law enforcement response to child exploitation under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

Track

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

HB 4799: To establish the cold case task force for the State of West Virginia

HB 4799 establishes a statewide cold case task force within the West Virginia State Police to investigate unsolved criminal cases. The task force, led by an executive board of the State Police Superintendent, police chiefs, and sheriffs' association presidents, will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies while respecting ongoing investigations. It creates a dedicated "cold case task force fund" for operations and requires the West Virginia Fusion Center to share relevant data from existing cold case databases. The bill focuses on structural mechanisms for investigation rather than new policy changes, directly affecting state and local law enforcement agencies collaborating on cold cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes cold case task force with dedicated fund to investigate unsolved crimes, strengthening law enforcement efforts in criminal justice.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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

HB 4032: Establish quick response teams to work with drug users who are arrested

HB 4032 would establish quick response teams (QRTs) under West Virginia's Office of Drug Control Policy to assist individuals with substance use disorders who are arrested and experiencing drug-related medical emergencies. These teams would provide immediate support and connect arrested individuals to treatment options at regional jails or treatment facilities, working directly with law enforcement and health services. The bill requires the Office of Drug Control Policy to develop this program by coordinating with health care providers, emergency services, and law enforcement, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change aims to create a direct pathway to recovery for people with substance use disorders following an arrest.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes QRTs to connect drug users to treatment upon arrest, reducing punitive measures and advancing rehabilitation in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates QRTs to connect arrested individuals with substance use disorders to treatment, improving access to healthcare services for mental health/substance abuse.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Mental Health Substance Abuse

Track

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

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Juvenile Justice

Track