HB 4997 West Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Relating to residency restrictions for persons convicted of terroristic threats

HB 4997 prohibits individuals convicted of terroristic threats involving schools or children (under §61-6-24(b)) from residing within 1,000 feet of any educational facility, including public/private schools, preschools, or daycares where children are regularly present. This residency restriction applies automatically during probation or parole, or as a sentencing condition if no supervision is ordered. Violations are classified as felonies punishable by 1-5 years in prison, up to $10,000 in fines, or both, and may lead to revocation of probation. The bill uses GIS or property records to measure proximity and aligns with existing sex offender residency rules under §62-12-26.
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 30, 2026 Last action Feb 17, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison

What changed between versions

Introduced Version Engrossed Version · 3 edits · Feb 16, 2026
MINOR
The bill text was converted from a draft introduction to an official engrossed version, removing internal legislative markers and adding public-facing website navigation and footer elements. The substantive legal language regarding residency restrictions for individuals convicted of terroristic threats against schools remains identical in both versions.
TECHNICAL

Removed internal legislative drafting notes, page numbers, and amendment markup symbols (e.g., 'Intr', '1...1').

Added Senate and House navigation menus, links to legislative resources, and website footer information.

Replaced the internal bill introduction header with a formal 'Engrossed Version' title and sponsor list.

Floor votes · House of Delegates Feb 16, 2026

How they voted

960
Passed · 3 other
Total votes 99
Feb 16, 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
19
Key actions
2
Committee
6
Feb 17, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
upper
Feb 17, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
upper
Feb 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Passed House (Roll No. 96)
lower
Feb 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Do pass
lower
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Feb 5, 2026
Committee
To House Homeland Security
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To House Judiciary
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Introduced
Introduced in House
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Committee
To Judiciary
lower
1 primary · 10 co-sponsors

Sponsors