HB 4722 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to false judicial accusations after a determination of falsity

HB 4722 creates a new offense for knowingly making or spreading false claims in court or legal proceedings after being notified the claim is false, with intent to cause harm. It imposes criminal penalties (misdemeanor for first offense, felony for repeat) and enhanced penalties for cases leading to arrest, loss of custody, or job loss. Upon conviction, courts must order restitution, correct false records, and assist with expungement, while victims can sue for damages including triple damages for repeat violations. The bill also establishes a confidential registry for convicted individuals and includes protections for good-faith reports.
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 22, 2026 Last action Jan 22, 2026
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Full legislative history

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Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
2
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors