To ensure that West Virginia law enforcement entities are not compelled or commandeered by federal authorities to conduct activities that violate our citizens’ Constitutional rights
HB 4812, the West Virginia Anti-Federal Commandeering Act, prohibits federal authorities from compelling state or local law enforcement agencies to conduct activities that violate constitutional rights. It defines "commandeering" as federal control of state resources without explicit state authorization and requires such authorization for any federal request. The bill empowers the West Virginia Attorney General to challenge federal actions deemed unconstitutional and to publish model policies for law enforcement. It directly affects all West Virginia law enforcement entities, including local police departments and state agencies, by preventing federal coercion of their personnel or resources. The law aims to protect constitutional rights while allowing cooperation on lawful federal-state law enforcement efforts.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 26, 2026
Last action Jan 26, 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 26, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Jan 26, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 26, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Bill Ridenour
RRepublican
Co
Chris Anders
RRepublican
Co
Chris Phillips
RRepublican
Co
Corby Dillon
RRepublican
Co
Eric Brooks
RRepublican
Co
Ian Masters
RRepublican
Co
Jim Butler
RRepublican
Co
Larry Kump
RRepublican
Co
Margitta Mazzocchi
RRepublican
Co
Rick Hillenbrand
RRepublican
Co
Robbie Martin
RRepublican
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