Modifying criminal penalties imposed on parent, guardian, or custodian for child abuse

Senate Bill 509 amends West Virginia laws (§61-8D-3 and §61-8D-4) to increase criminal penalties for parents, guardians, custodians, or trusted adults who abuse or neglect children. It specifies that a third or subsequent offense involving child abuse or neglect resulting in bodily injury becomes a felony (with 1-5 years in prison), while prior convictions under these sections trigger higher fines and longer sentences for repeat offenders. The bill also clarifies that misdemeanor convictions for such offenses do not automatically restrict custody rights or require registration under sex offender laws, and mandates potential services like parenting classes for misdemeanor cases. It explicitly states that reasonable discipline is not covered under these penalties.