Criminal Justice

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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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 17, 2026

HB 4997: Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats

HB 4997 prohibits individuals convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children (under §61-6-24(b)) from residing within 1,000 feet of any educational facility, including public/private schools, preschools, or daycares where children are regularly present. This residency restriction applies automatically during probation or parole, or as a sentencing condition if no supervision is ordered. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both, and may lead to revocation of probation. The bill uses GIS or property records to measure proximity and aligns with existing sex offender residency rules under §62-12-26.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates automatic residency restrictions near schools for terroristic threats convicts, classifies violations as felonies with 1-5 year sentences, expanding criminalization and increasing penalties.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Probation & Parole Sentencing

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passed · West Virginia · Senate Mar 12, 2026

SB 473: Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence

SB 473 creates felony penalties for threatening to commit violent crimes using electronic devices (like texts, social media, or emails) when the threat causes a building evacuation, widespread fear, or serious disruption. It directly affects individuals who send such threats, making it a felony if the communication causes significant public alarm or evacuation. The law specifies that prosecutors must prove the threat was viewed as threatening by a reasonable person, and it prohibits defenses like claiming the threat wasn't "real." Penalties include fines up to $10,000 or prison terms of 1-10 years for these offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill expands criminalization by creating felony penalties for electronic threats, increasing punitive measures in criminal justice without reform indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Firearms

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

HB 4443: Allow municipality to order suspension of driver’s license when defendant fails to pay traffic fine

HB 4443 would allow West Virginia municipalities to suspend a person's driver's license if they fail to pay traffic fines or enter a payment plan within 90 days after a court judgment. The bill requires courts to offer payment plans based on 2% of annual net income (minimum $10 monthly), with a $25 setup fee, and imposes a $10 late fee per month for missed payments. After 90 days of nonpayment, clerks may suspend licenses, place judgment liens, or refer debts to collections (with limits on collection fees). This directly affects individuals with unpaid municipal court fines for traffic violations or related offenses.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill enforces license suspension for unpaid traffic fines, restricting defendant rights and increasing penalties without meaningful reform alternatives.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts

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

HB 4650: Modifying the process by which a Defendant is entitled to a trial by jury in municipal court

HB 4650 modifies when defendants in West Virginia municipal court are entitled to a trial by jury. It specifies that only defendants charged with offenses carrying potential jail time or fines exceeding $5,000 qualify for a jury trial. This change directly affects individuals facing municipal court criminal charges where penalties could reach these thresholds, replacing previous eligibility rules with the new $5,000 fine standard. The bill does not alter jury size (still 12 members) or other procedural rules for municipal court trials.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeLimits jury trial access for lower-level offenses, reducing defendant rights by restricting eligibility to only high-penalty cases.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 34: Establishing 3-year mandatory prison sentence for person convicted of illegal possession of Schedule I and Schedule II drugs

This bill (SB 34) creates a mandatory 3-year prison sentence for anyone convicted of illegally possessing Schedule I or II controlled substances (excluding cannabis). It applies to possession offenses, with exceptions for people who were incidentally exposed to the substances or forced to possess them. First-time offenders may qualify for conditional discharge, and the bill specifies that cannabis possession is not covered by this new sentencing requirement. The law amends existing West Virginia drug statutes to enforce these penalties.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates 3-year prison for drug possession (excluding cannabis), increasing mandatory sentences and expanding criminalization, opposing reform indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Drug Policy Sentencing

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 175: Prohibiting camping in public areas without consent

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill criminalizes camping without consent, expanding criminalization of homelessness behavior, opposing reform efforts that prioritize housing over punishment.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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

HB 4448: Removing bona fide schools, public libraries, and museums from the list of exemptions from criminal liability relating to distribution and display to minor of obscene matter

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill removes exemptions for schools/libraries/museums from obscenity prosecutions, expanding criminal liability and increasing criminalization of institutions distributing material to minors.95% confidence ✗ EducationOpposes EducationRemoves legal exemption for schools showing material in curriculum, increasing criminal liability for educational content distribution to minors.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Curriculum

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 174: Updating language and increasing penalties for indecent exposure

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.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill increases penalties for indecent exposure, creates new felony, and removes breastfeeding exemption, expanding criminalization and increasing mandatory sentences.95% confidence

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

HB 4996: Relating to bail in cases involving terroristic threats to schools or children

HB 4996 requires courts to impose mandatory bail conditions for defendants charged with terroristic threats against schools or child-focused facilities (like preschools or daycares). It prohibits defendants from residing within 1,000 feet of the threatened facility or any similar educational location where children are regularly present. Additional conditions may include GPS monitoring to enforce exclusion zones, no contact with students/staff, or home incarceration outside the restricted area. Violations trigger immediate arrest, bail forfeiture, or custody remand, with courts using GIS or property records to measure proximity. The bill directly affects individuals facing charges under §61-6-24(b) related to school threats.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeMandates stricter bail conditions including exclusion zones and GPS monitoring for terroristic threats against schools, increasing restrictions on defendants and reducing their rights.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections