To require parole boards to take into account the sentencing judge’s recommendation at the time of sentencing

HB 4779 requires West Virginia parole boards to consider a sentencing judge's recommendation for a specific term of imprisonment when reviewing cases involving certain felony offenses. The bill applies to 44 designated crimes, including DUI causing death, drug trafficking near schools, sexual assault, murder, and child abuse. Under this law, judges may recommend a definite prison term during sentencing for these offenses, and parole boards must factor that recommendation into their decisions. This change modifies how parole considerations are handled for these specific cases but does not alter sentencing authority or penalties.