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.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 16, 2026
Last action Jan 16, 2026
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
To House Education
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Committee
To Education then Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Rick Hillenbrand
RRepublican
Co
Bill Ridenour
RRepublican
Co
Chuck Horst
RRepublican
Co
Elliott Pritt
RRepublican
Co
EC
Elías Coop-González
RRepublican
Co
Geno Chiarelli
RRepublican
Co
Joe Funkhouser
RRepublican
Co
Laura Kimble
RRepublican
Co
Lisa White
RRepublican
Co
Margitta Mazzocchi
RRepublican
Co
Tresa Howell
RRepublican
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