Criminal Justice (Corrections)

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

HB 4521: State to reimburse county for inmate costs when conviction results in credit for time served

HB 4521 requires the West Virginia state government to reimburse counties for the daily costs of housing inmates when a conviction results in credit for time already served in jail. This directly affects counties operating local jails and inmates whose sentences are reduced due to prior incarceration time. The bill amends existing law to mandate state reimbursement for the days an inmate is credited toward their sentence, rather than having counties absorb those costs. It clarifies that counties should be paid back for these specific days through the state's correctional funds, ensuring counties aren't financially burdened by reduced sentences.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMandates state reimbursement to counties for inmate housing costs when time served is credited, providing direct funding for correctional costs and reducing financial burden on counties, thus supporting the correctional system.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 112: Restoring voting rights for person incarcerated for felony upon release

SB 112 would change West Virginia law to automatically restore voting rights for people convicted of a felony upon their release from incarceration, regardless of whether they are on probation, parole, or supervised release. Currently, individuals serving felony sentences cannot vote, but this bill would end that disqualification immediately after release. The key provision amends Section 3-2-2 of the state code to state that eligibility is "automatically restored upon release from incarceration." This directly affects all West Virginians who were incarcerated for a felony conviction, allowing them to register and vote as soon as they leave prison.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestores voting rights for felons upon release, directly advancing civil rights and criminal justice reform by ending post-incarceration disenfranchisement.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Civil Rights Corrections Probation & Parole Tags Elections

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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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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 · 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 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

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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

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