To remove qualified immunity from officers serving no-knock warrants
HB 2445 removes qualified immunity for West Virginia law enforcement officers who use excessive force or act negligently during no-knock warrant executions. The bill requires courts to review officer actions if they cause injury, death, or psychological harm through reckless, negligent, or knowingly illegal conduct - such as using excessive force or failing to follow proper procedures. Courts must also examine whether the officer's agency provided adequate training for such situations, potentially making the agency liable for the officer's actions. This change means officers and their departments could face personal financial or legal consequences in lawsuits when misconduct occurs during no-knock warrants.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Feb 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Feb 17, 2025
Last action Feb 17, 2025
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Feb 17, 2025
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Feb 17, 2025
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Feb 17, 2025
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Ask Maddy
·
AI policy assistant
Ask Maddy about HB 2445
Scope: WV
Hi! I can help you understand HB 2445. What would you like to know?
Try one of these
i
Maddy answers using official bill text and legislative records. Always verify before sharing.
Sources cited inline