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.
SB 175 makes it a misdemeanor to camp in public spaces like sidewalks, parks, or under bridges without permission from the managing authority. It prohibits intentional camping (defined as temporary residence with shelter) and sets penalties of up to $1,000 fines, 30 days in jail, or 40 hours of community service for violations. First-time offenders receive a warning citation instead of penalties, and officers must try to direct people to alternative camping options before issuing citations. The bill explicitly allows local governments to maintain stricter camping rules and does not override existing ordinances that meet specific standards.
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.
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.
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.
HB 4448 removes exemptions that currently protect bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from criminal charges when distributing or displaying obscene material to minors. The bill amends West Virginia law to eliminate these specific protections, meaning these institutions would no longer be shielded from prosecution under the existing obscenity statute (§61-8A-3). Previously, schools were exempt when showing material as part of approved curriculum, and libraries/museums were exempt if minors were accompanied by parents. This change directly affects how these public institutions handle materials accessible to minors. The bill does not alter other existing exemptions, such as those for medical professionals or internet service providers.
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.
Senate Bill 174 creates a new felony offense for indecent exposure in front of minors in West Virginia, defined as exposing one's genitals (penis, vagina, or anus) to a minor. It requires individuals convicted of this offense to register as sex offenders under the Sex Offender Registration Act and increases penalties, including fines and imprisonment for third offenses, with enhanced penalties for repeat violations. The bill also removes a breastfeeding exemption, stating that the clarified definition makes it unnecessary. This legislation updates penalties and registration requirements to strengthen protections for minors.
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.
This bill changes penalties for possessing less than 15 grams of marijuana from a criminal misdemeanor to a civil violation. It affects individuals caught with small amounts of marijuana for the first time, replacing potential jail time (up to 1 year) or criminal records with a flat civil fine of up to $25. The key change is moving simple possession under 15g from criminal prosecution to a non-criminal penalty, as specified in Section (c) of the bill. This applies only to marijuana possession, not other drug offenses or larger quantities.
