HB 4695 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

To double the criminal penalty for anyone found guilty of sexual assault on a minor

HB 4695 doubles criminal penalties for specific offenses against minors in West Virginia. It increases maximum prison terms and fines for sexual assault in the third degree (from 5 to 10 years/ $10,000 to $20,000), sexual abuse in the third degree (from 3 to 5 years/ $500 to $1,000), child neglect resulting in death (from 15 to 40 years/ $5,000 to $10,000), and sexual abuse by parents/guardians (from 20 to 40 years/ $5,000 to $10,000). The bill directly affects individuals convicted of these crimes against minors under 16 years old or in positions of trust over children. These changes amend sections §61-8B-5, §61-8B-9, §61-8D-4a, and §61-8D-5 of West Virginia law.

Issues: ✗ Criminal Justice

Bill status passed 3 of 5 stages cleared

Introduction

Jan 2026

Committee Review

Feb 2026

House of Delegates Passage

Feb 2026

Senate Passage

Governor

Introduced Jan 21, 2026 Last action Feb 12, 2026

Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons

What changed between versions

Engrossed Committee Substitute → hb4695 hfat akers 2-11 adopted.htm · 4 edits

MODERATE

The bill was amended to increase criminal penalties for crimes against minors, including sexual assault, sexual abuse, child neglect resulting in death, and sexual exploitation. The changes specifically raise maximum prison sentences and fines for these offenses, particularly for parents or guardians who exploit children under their care.

Scope change

The scope of the bill remains focused on increasing penalties for specific child-related offenses, but the severity of punishment has been increased across the board.

ENFORCEMENT

Maximum prison sentences and fines were increased for sexual assault in the third degree, sexual abuse in the third degree, and child neglect resulting in death.

Penalties for parents or guardians engaging in sexual exploitation of a child under their care were increased, with maximum prison time raised to 40 years in some instances.

Penalties for procuring another person to sexually exploit a child under 16 were increased, with maximum prison time raised to 30 years.

Penalties for possessing or distributing sexually explicit material depicting a child under care were increased, with maximum prison time raised to 4 years.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Feb 11, 2026

How they voted

96–0

Passed · 3 other

Total votes 99

Feb 11, 2026

D Democratic9

9 Yea

100% Yea

R Republican90

87 Yea 3

96% Yea

Vote distribution

All Yea All Nay Mixed No data

Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions

Key actions

Committee

Feb 12, 2026

Committee

To Judiciary

upper

Feb 12, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in Senate

upper

Feb 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Title amendment adopted (Voice vote)

lower

Feb 11, 2026

Lower · Passed

Passed House (Roll No. 77)

lower

Feb 6, 2026

Lower · Passed

By substitute, do pass

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Committee

To House Judiciary

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Introduced

Introduced in House

lower

Jan 21, 2026

Committee

To Judiciary

lower

1 primary · 10 co-sponsors