Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Aug 13, 2026

HB 4138: Relating to persons convicted of a crime

This bill creates a Central Abuse Registry in West Virginia to track individuals convicted of crimes involving child abuse, neglect of incapacitated adults, abuse of adults receiving behavioral health services, and property misappropriation by those providing care services. It also adds specific sex offenses to the registration requirements and clarifies that people convicted of certain past offenses must remain on the registry. The legislation establishes a single annual fee of $125 for individuals required to register under both the abuse registry and sex offender registry, simplifying compliance by requiring only one payment. Funds collected from these fees will be used first to support mental health services for current and former state police employees before being applied to general state police operations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens public safety by creating a registry for dangerous offenders, protecting vulnerable populations and enhancing accountability in criminal justice system.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 5484: Creating the crime of conspiracy to deny medical treatment to victim of sexual offense

HB 5484 creates a new felony crime in West Virginia for conspiring to deny medical care to victims of sexual exploitation, assault, incest, or abuse. It directly affects individuals who work together (conspire) to block victims from accessing licensed medical treatment for injuries or conditions caused by these crimes. The bill establishes penalties of 5-10 years in prison, a $50,000 fine, or both for violations. This law specifically targets efforts to prevent victims from receiving necessary medical care following sexual offenses, without altering existing abortion laws.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates felony for conspiring to deny medical care to sexual assault victims with 5-10 year sentences, strengthening victim protections and accountability in criminal justice system.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill criminalizes conspiring to deny medical treatment to sexual offense victims, directly protecting patient access to healthcare services and reinforcing medical care rights.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4799: To establish the cold case task force for the State of West Virginia

HB 4799 establishes a statewide cold case task force within the West Virginia State Police to investigate unsolved criminal cases. The task force, led by an executive board of the State Police Superintendent, police chiefs, and sheriffs' association presidents, will coordinate with other law enforcement agencies while respecting ongoing investigations. It creates a dedicated "cold case task force fund" for operations and requires the West Virginia Fusion Center to share relevant data from existing cold case databases. The bill focuses on structural mechanisms for investigation rather than new policy changes, directly affecting state and local law enforcement agencies collaborating on cold cases.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes cold case task force with dedicated fund to investigate unsolved crimes, strengthening law enforcement efforts in criminal justice.90% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4819: Relating to use of criminal records as disqualification from authorization to practice a particular profession

HB 4819 would change West Virginia's licensing rules for professions requiring state authorization. It prevents disqualification for most past criminal convictions unless the crime directly relates to the profession's duties and poses a clear public risk. Licensing agencies must now consider factors like the crime's nature, time passed since conviction, and evidence of rehabilitation (such as completed treatment or employment history) before denying a license. Applicants with past convictions can petition for reconsideration after five years without new offenses (excluding violent/sexual crimes), with agencies required to respond within 60 days. This affects all individuals seeking professional licenses in West Virginia, including fields like healthcare, education, or licensed trades.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill reduces licensing barriers for individuals with past convictions by requiring rehabilitation consideration, aligning with criminal justice reform goals to lower recidivism and support reentry.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill removes barriers for healthcare professionals with past convictions, expanding workforce access and improving patient access to services by reducing licensing restrictions.85% confidence ✓ Labor & EmploymentSupports Labor & EmploymentBill removes unnecessary barriers to professional licensing for individuals with criminal records, expanding employment opportunities and promoting fair hiring practices per employment standards.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking

HB 4433 amends West Virginia law to create new criminal offenses for human smuggling (transporting undocumented people to evade enforcement) and human trafficking (recruiting or moving people for forced labor or sexual exploitation). It specifically targets individuals who transport adults or minors for these purposes, defining key terms like "coercion" and "forced labor" to clarify illegal conduct. The bill establishes penalties for these crimes, allows asset forfeiture of property used in trafficking, and requires restitution for victims. It also includes an exemption permitting medical, mental health, and legal services for undocumented individuals without criminal liability.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill creates new criminal offenses for human trafficking/smuggling with defined penalties, strengthening enforcement against these crimes per criminal justice policy goals.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4366: Relating to military interpersonal violence

This bill updates West Virginia laws to recognize military protective orders as valid evidence of domestic violence when seeking emergency protective orders from family courts. It defines a military protective order as one issued by a commanding officer in the U.S. Armed Forces, West Virginia National Guard, or another state's National Guard against someone under their command. The legislation requires law enforcement to notify relevant agencies of potential violations of these military orders and allows them to be used in petitions for temporary personal safety orders. These changes aim to improve how courts handle cases involving service members and their families by streamlining the process for obtaining protection orders.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill strengthens criminal justice by recognizing military protective orders as valid evidence, enhancing law enforcement response to domestic violence and improving victim protection.85% confidence ✓ VeteransSupports VeteransBill recognizes military protective orders as valid evidence, strengthening protections for veterans in domestic violence situations and improving their access to legal recourse.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4345: Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence

HB 4345 requires law enforcement agencies in West Virginia to permanently retain all records and evidence for missing persons cases that remain unresolved after one year. It mandates that agencies digitize all documentation and physical/biological evidence for these cases and transmit the complete records to the West Virginia Fusion Center. The bill directly affects law enforcement agencies (including county and municipal departments) by establishing new requirements for record retention, digitization, and database sharing. Key provisions include banning destruction of unresolved case files, requiring secure digital storage, and ensuring evidence is preserved permanently. This applies to all missing persons cases, not just children or high-risk situations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires law enforcement to permanently retain and digitize missing persons evidence, supporting criminal justice system integrity by preserving critical data for future investigations and prosecutions.80% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4552: Relating to the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers

HB 4552 clarifies that correctional officers in West Virginia's Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation who complete required training are recognized as law-enforcement officers. The bill authorizes these officers to make arrests on facility property for violations of state law, detain escapees, and carry firearms both on and off duty (with annual firearms training). It also establishes that qualifying officers are recognized under federal law (18 U.S.C. §926B) for off-duty carry and retirement benefits. The policy directly affects correctional officers employed by the Division, expanding their legal authority and equipment access while specifying training and certification requirements.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeExpands law enforcement authority for correctional officers in facilities, strengthening their role within the corrections system.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jun 29, 2026

HB 4053: To establish the blue envelope program.

HB 4053 establishes the "Blue Envelope Program" to improve communication between law enforcement and drivers with autism spectrum disorder, dementia, or intellectual/developmental disabilities during traffic stops. Eligible drivers (with a valid license/permit) can request a specially designed blue envelope containing their license, registration, and emergency contact information, along with a vehicle decal and communication guidance for officers. The program, set to launch January 1, 2027, will be administered through the West Virginia Division of Motor Vehicles, sheriff's offices, and police stations.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes safer law enforcement interactions for vulnerable populations during traffic stops, reducing potential escalation - aligns with criminal justice reform goals of improving police accountability and communication.85% confidence ✓ TransportationSupports TransportationBill enhances transportation safety by improving law enforcement communication during traffic stops for drivers with disabilities, aligning with vehicle regulation safety indicators.85% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice

signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 848: Supplemental Appropriation to Department of Homeland Security, fund 0450

SB 848 is a supplemental appropriation bill that allocates $84,600 from an unappropriated surplus balance in the State Fund, General Revenue, to cover inmate medical expenses for the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation under the Department of Homeland Security during fiscal year 2026. This funding specifically targets Correctional Units within the Division and uses existing surplus funds identified in the Governor’s budget document. The bill does not create new programs or alter policies but directs available resources to address medical costs for inmates. It is a routine budget adjustment, not a policy change, to ensure necessary healthcare funding for correctional facilities.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds inmate medical expenses in corrections, directly supporting the corrections aspect of criminal justice.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareFunds inmate medical expenses in corrections through targeted appropriation, directly supporting healthcare access for incarcerated individuals within public health programs.95% confidence | Rep's Stance ✓ Voted Yes ✓ Supports Criminal Justice