Criminal Justice

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SJR 5: Cannabis Legalization Amendment

SJR 5 proposes a constitutional amendment to allow adults 21 and older in West Virginia to possess up to two ounces of cannabis or four plants for personal use. It would authorize the state legislature to create regulations for cannabis sales and manufacturing, and require courts to dismiss or expunge prior convictions for possessing small amounts of cannabis. This amendment must be approved by voters in the 2026 general election before taking effect. If approved, it would enable future legislation to establish a regulated cannabis market while clearing past minor cannabis-related records.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires courts to dismiss/expunge prior cannabis possession convictions, directly advancing criminal justice reform by reducing unnecessary criminal records.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 27, 2026

SB 602: Requiring repeat DUI offenders to carry ID indicating they may not purchase alcohol

SB 602 requires repeat DUI offenders in West Virginia to carry a special identification card indicating they are prohibited from purchasing alcohol. The card must feature a prominent red stripe and the words "No Alcohol Sale" on its front. This applies to individuals identified as "interdicted persons" under the law, meaning those legally barred from alcohol sales due to DUI convictions. The bill establishes the card's design, application process, and enforcement mechanisms for businesses to verify compliance. It does not change DUI penalties but creates a new identification requirement for affected individuals.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires repeat DUI offenders to carry ID preventing alcohol access, reducing recidivism through targeted enforcement and compliance mechanisms.85% confidence

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 20, 2026

HB 4609: Allowing Magistrates under certain circumstances to be able to order a mental evaluation

HB 4609 allows magistrates to require mental health evaluations for defendants charged with specific offenses: violating protective orders (§48-27-903), personal safety orders (§53-8-11), or making threats of terroristic acts (§61-6-24), before setting bail. The bill requires the evaluation to be scheduled within 10 days, with a report to the magistrate within 48 hours, followed by a bond hearing within five days of receiving the report. This process aims to determine if mental health treatment or counseling is needed as a condition of bond. The bill directly affects defendants in these three offense categories appearing before magistrates in West Virginia.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeMental health evaluations for bail decisions aim to divert defendants to treatment, aligning with rehabilitation-focused criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Judges

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 58: Adding grievance and appellate procedures for individuals participating in DMV safety and treatment program

SB 58 adds formal grievance and appeal processes for individuals participating in West Virginia's DMV Safety and Treatment Program, which helps drivers with license suspensions related to DUI offenses. It prohibits the DMV from requiring minimum driving time, mileage, or frequency in the Alcohol and Drug Test and Lock Program, and stops removing participants for failing these requirements. The bill also mandates that the DMV reinstate former program participants who meet specific criteria - without charging them fees - after they complete required treatment. This directly affects drivers whose licenses were suspended for alcohol/drug-related offenses and who are enrolled in the state's treatment program.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill modifies DUI program to reduce barriers and improve rehabilitation access, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of reducing recidivism and supporting rehabilitation.85% confidence

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vetoed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Apr 2, 2026

HB 4393: Requiring the development and implementation of statewide prevention plan

HB 4393 requires West Virginia's Department of Human Services (DoHS) to create and implement a statewide prevention plan by February 1, 2027. The plan must provide trauma-informed, evidence-based services to children under 18 and their families - including youth in foster care, pregnant and parenting youth, those aging out of foster care (up to age 21), post-adoption youth, and families with economic or safety needs. DoHS must ensure providers offer accessible services (combining telehealth and physical locations), track outcomes, and report annually on service usage, costs, and results by county. The plan also aims to qualify for federal matching funds under the Family First Prevention Services Act by 2028.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevention plan for at-risk youth reduces future justice system involvement, aligns with reform goals like trauma-informed care and early intervention for juvenile populations.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 15, 2026

HB 4371: Relating to legalizing cannabis production, sales and adult consumption

HB 4371 would legalize cannabis possession of up to one ounce for adults aged 21 and older and allow for regulated production, sales, and consumption in counties that approve it through local referendums. The bill establishes a licensing system for cannabis businesses through the Bureau for Public Health and requires counties to hold votes before permitting sales. It creates a new excise tax on cannabis products, directs tax revenue to a dedicated fund for public purposes, and preserves existing laws prohibiting cannabis use while driving under the influence or for minors. The legislation explicitly states it does not alter West Virginia’s current medical cannabis program.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates new excise tax on cannabis with revenue directed to dedicated public fund, advancing fiscal management for public purposes.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeLegalizes cannabis possession, reducing criminal penalties for non-violent offenses and aligning with criminal justice reform goals of decreasing unnecessary arrests and incarceration.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Drug Policy

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 3, 2026

HB 4775: Relating to addressing School Discipline in Public Schools

HB 4775 requires the West Virginia Department of Education to analyze statewide school discipline data - including breakdowns by race, gender, and disability - and develop a statewide program to reduce disciplinary actions against K-12 students. It mandates county school boards to implement this program, aiming to improve disciplinary outcomes. The bill also requires the Department to submit biennial reports to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Education Accountability, provide annual updates, and publish discipline data on a public dashboard for transparency. This directly affects all public schools and county boards across West Virginia through new data collection, program implementation, and reporting obligations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeReduces school discipline disparities, aligns with criminal justice reform by addressing school-to-prison pipeline factors through data-driven equity programs.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill mandates data analysis and program to reduce disciplinary actions, promoting equitable K-12 school discipline practices85% confidence

Sub-Topics K-12 Education School Safety

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

HB 4664: Relating to increasing compensation for panel attorneys.

HB 4664 increases compensation rates for panel attorneys who represent eligible clients in public defense cases in West Virginia. It directly affects these attorneys and the Public Defender Services agency that processes their payments. Key provisions require Public Defender Services to annually report to oversight bodies on legal services provided by panel attorneys, while also clarifying voucher submission, review, and dispute resolution processes for compensation claims. The bill aims to improve payment accuracy and transparency without altering the core structure of public defense funding.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases compensation for public defense attorneys, directly improving defendant representation in criminal cases and strengthening access to legal services within the criminal justice system.95% confidence

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

HB 4114: Relating to oversight of West Virginia Fusion Center

HB 4114 replaces West Virginia's current Fusion Center oversight committee with a new one effective July 1, 2026. The new committee, composed of balanced legislative members from both chambers (with party limits), will oversee the Fusion Center's handling of sensitive information, including its collection, storage, and destruction. The bill mandates an annual Inspector General audit of the center and grants the committee authority to inspect facilities, require employee testimony, and address audit findings that could lead to disciplinary action. This directly affects the West Virginia Fusion Center, its employees, and the legislative committee members responsible for oversight.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens law enforcement data oversight via new committee and annual audits, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights in information handling.85% confidence

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 11, 2026

HB 4656: Relating to chronic absenteeism

HB 4656 modifies West Virginia's school attendance laws by ending the compulsory attendance requirement at age 18 (previously 17), meaning 18-year-olds no longer face penalties for chronic absenteeism. It replaces "truancy" with "chronic absenteeism," removes criminal penalties for 18-year-olds, and requires schools to notify them directly about unexcused absences - same as parents. The bill establishes new referral pathways to human services for wrap-around support, shifts handling of chronic absenteeism to juvenile welfare (not criminal) proceedings, and defines key terms like "student support specialist." It directly affects students aged 17-18, school staff, and county human services departments.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRemoves criminal penalties for 18-year-olds' chronic absenteeism, reducing criminalization of school attendance - a criminal justice reform measure aligning with reducing recidivism and over-punishment.85% confidence ✓ EducationSupports EducationBill replaces punitive truancy measures with support services for chronic absenteeism, aligning with student well-being and access in K-12 education.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Juvenile Justice

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