Criminal Justice (Corrections)

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

HB 4758: Raise the Penalties for Murder and attempted Murder

HB 4758 modifies parole eligibility for individuals convicted of first-degree murder or attempted first-degree murder in West Virginia. It increases the minimum prison term for attempted first-degree murder from 3 to 10 years and requires inmates convicted of these offenses to serve a longer portion of their sentence before becoming parole-eligible. Specifically, these individuals must serve at least three years or the maximum sentence imposed (whichever is less) before parole consideration, rather than the previous standard terms. The bill directly affects inmates serving sentences for murder or attempted murder of the first degree.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory sentences (10-year minimum for attempted murder) and extends parole ineligibility, reducing defendant rights and strengthening harsh sentencing.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole

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

HB 4671: Relating to illegal immigrants

HB 4671 requires West Virginia law enforcement to immediately transfer individuals determined to be in the country without legal immigration status to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for deportation. For a second offense (if the same person is again found without legal status), the bill classifies it as a felony, mandating 3 to 5 years in state prison before deportation. The bill also prohibits state and local law enforcement from interfering with this process or overriding federal immigration policy. It directly affects individuals without legal immigration status who are apprehended by law enforcement in the state.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill classifies second immigration violation as felony with 3-5 year mandatory sentence, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties per criminal justice indicators.95% confidence ✗ ImmigrationOpposes ImmigrationMandates immediate ICE transfers for deportation, classifies second offense as felony with prison time, and prohibits state interference, increasing enforcement against undocumented immigrants.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement Detention Enforcement Sanctuary Policies

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 5, 2026

SB 590: Relating to exhibition of obscene material

Senate Bill 590 makes it a crime for performers to host adult cabaret shows - defined as performances featuring topless, go-go, exotic, or stripper dancers that appeal to prurient interest - where minors could view them, whether on public property or in accessible locations. Violating this law carries penalties: a first offense is a misdemeanor, while repeat offenses become felonies punishable by up to $25,000 fines, five years in prison, or both. The bill explicitly overrides any existing local ordinances about such performances. It directly affects venues and performers hosting these shows in public or viewable areas, ensuring uniform state-level enforcement.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeExpands criminalization by making adult cabaret performances a crime with felony penalties, increasing restrictions on entertainment venues and criminalizing activities previously not covered.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 108: Requiring correctional facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products

This bill requires West Virginia correctional facilities to provide free feminine hygiene products (tampons and sanitary napkins) to female inmates and juvenile detainees upon request. Specifically, facilities must supply these products at no cost within eight hours of a request, directly affecting all female prisoners in state jails, regional jails, and correctional facilities, as well as female juveniles in detention centers. The law amends existing statutes to mandate this provision, ensuring access without financial barriers for menstrual care. It does not alter existing fee structures for other medical services but explicitly exempts feminine hygiene products from inmate charges.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates free feminine hygiene products in correctional facilities, promoting humane treatment and dignity for female inmates, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of improving facility conditions and protecting civil rights.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareMandates free access to essential feminine hygiene products in correctional facilities, improving health access and dignity for female inmates, directly supporting healthcare access for a vulnerable population.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Juvenile Justice

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 20, 2026

SB 527: Creating process of obtaining and adjudicating pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition

SB 527 creates a new process for courts to offer alternatives to formal conviction, such as community service or treatment programs, for individuals facing certain criminal charges that could result in incarceration or in juvenile abuse and neglect cases. The bill establishes a specific procedure for requesting and reviewing these "pre-adjudicatory alternative dispositions," requiring courts to follow defined steps and documentation, including attaching certified copies of underlying court orders. It adds a new section (§49-4-607a) to West Virginia law and amends related sections to integrate this process into existing legal frameworks. This change directly affects defendants in eligible cases by providing an option to resolve their matter without a formal adjudication.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates alternatives to conviction (community service/treatment) avoiding incarceration, directly promoting criminal justice reform goals like reduced recidivism and rehabilitation.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Juvenile Justice

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 54: Establishing criminal penalties for abuse or neglect of incapacitated adults

SB 54 amends West Virginia law to establish clear criminal penalties for caregivers who abuse or neglect incapacitated adults. It directly affects caregivers (including facilities and individuals responsible for care) and incapacitated adults aged 18+ who cannot perform daily life activities due to age or disability. The bill creates tiered penalties: misdemeanors for basic neglect/abuse (fines up to $500 or 1 year jail), and felonies for severe harm (fines up to $5,000 and prison terms of 2-15 years), including removing the "malice" requirement for felony charges when death occurs. Key provisions define abuse, neglect, and "incapacitated adult," while explicitly excluding cases involving religious treatment choices or legally authorized medical decisions.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates tiered criminal penalties for caregiver abuse of incapacitated adults, strengthening accountability and victim protection in criminal justice system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

HB 4714: To create the West Virginia Inmate Litter Cleanup and Rehabilitation Act.

HB 4714 creates a program allowing county jails and Regional Jail Authorities to involve inmates in voluntary litter cleanup on public lands like highways, roads, and parks. Inmates participating earn sentence reduction credits, with strict safety requirements including proper equipment, supervision ratios, and compliance with occupational regulations. The program is funded through the Litter Control Fund, and proceeds from recyclable materials collected during cleanups must be returned to that fund. The bill also mandates educational materials for schools about litter reduction and requires local governments to develop recycling plans for public facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill promotes rehabilitation via inmate litter cleanup program with sentence credits, reducing recidivism through voluntary work and safety-compliant correctional engagement.92% confidence ✓ EnvironmentSupports EnvironmentBill establishes inmate litter cleanup program on public lands, reducing pollution and funding Litter Control Fund via recyclables, directly advancing environmental protection.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Public Lands Recycling

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

HB 4041: Making it a mandatory 25 year sentence for an assault on any law enforcement or animal

HB 4041 proposes amending West Virginia law to establish mandatory minimum sentences for assaults on specific professionals acting in their official capacity. The bill would require a minimum 3-year prison term (up to 15 years) for malicious assaults on law enforcement officers, health care workers, emergency personnel, utility workers, or correctional employees, and a minimum 2-year term (up to 5 years) for unlawful assaults on these same groups. The bill's title incorrectly references "animal" and a 25-year sentence; the actual proposed penalties are 3-15 years for malicious assault and 2-5 years for unlawful assault. This is a proposed amendment (introduced January 14, 2026, to the Judiciary Committee) to West Virginia Code §61-2-10b, not yet enacted law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandatory minimum sentences increase punitive measures, expanding criminalization and reducing defendant rights per 'oppose' indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Sentencing Violent Crime

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 16, 2026

HB 4434: Increasing penalties for Corruption

HB 4434 increases criminal penalties for bribery and corrupt practices in West Virginia. It upgrades violations of bribery provisions (Section 3) to a felony punishable by 1-10 years in prison or fines up to $250,000 for corporations, while misdemeanor violations (Sections 4-5) carry up to 1 year in jail or $105,000 in fines. All convicted individuals face permanent disqualification from holding any state office or government position. The bill also extends the statute of limitations for misdemeanor corruption cases to six years. This directly affects public officials, contractors, and others engaging in bribery or corrupt acts under state law.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for corruption by upgrading offenses to felony with longer sentences and higher fines, aligning with 'oppose' indicators of harsher sentencing.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 140: Increasing penalty for voluntary manslaughter

Senate Bill 140 would increase penalties for voluntary manslaughter in West Virginia by raising the minimum prison sentence from 3 years to 5 years and the maximum from 15 years to 25 years. It also changes parole eligibility requirements, requiring convicted individuals to serve at least 5 years before becoming eligible for parole (previously 3 years). This bill directly affects people convicted of voluntary manslaughter under West Virginia law, altering their sentencing range and parole timelines. The change applies to all future convictions under this statute.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeIncreases mandatory sentences (3→5y min, 15→25y max) and restricts parole eligibility (3→5y), directly opposing criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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