Criminal Justice (Policing)

introduced · West Virginia · Senate Feb 9, 2026

SB 882: Establishing Blue Envelope Program to promote communication between law enforcement and community members

SB 882 establishes a "Blue Envelope Program" for drivers in West Virginia diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The bill requires the West Virginia State Police to distribute durable blue envelopes containing a clear statement of the driver's diagnosis, communication tips for officers, space for personalized needs, emergency contact information, and instructions for use during traffic stops or accidents. These envelopes will be available by mail and at state police offices, holding license and registration documents. The program explicitly states no diagnosis verification is required, and individuals providing good-faith information are granted immunity from liability.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePromotes safer law enforcement interactions for autistic drivers via communication tools during traffic stops, aligning with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

Track

in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5334: Relating to lease termination and tenant privacy

HB 5334 protects residential tenants in West Virginia who face safety threats. It allows tenants to end leases without penalty if they fear imminent violence from domestic abuse, sexual conduct, stalking, or sexual extortion - without requiring a conviction. Landlords cannot block tenants from calling police or penalize them for doing so, and must keep all related details (like the perpetrator's name or relocation address) confidential. The bill also prohibits landlords from using such information in databases or against tenants in eviction cases, while requiring written notice with proof of the threat before lease termination.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill enables tenants facing domestic violence/stalking to terminate leases without penalty and requires landlord confidentiality, directly supporting victim safety and reducing barriers to reporting - aligns with criminal justice reform goals.85% confidence ✓ HousingSupports HousingProtects tenants facing safety threats by allowing lease termination without penalty and prohibiting landlord retaliation, strengthening tenant rights per housing topic indicators.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Policing Landlords Tenant Rights

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passed · West Virginia · House of Delegates Mar 4, 2026

HB 5413: Relating to the Central Abuse Registry

HB 5413 creates a Central Abuse Registry managed by the West Virginia State Police to track individuals convicted of abuse, neglect, or misappropriation of property involving children, incapacitated adults, or adults receiving behavioral health services in specific settings like residential care facilities, day care centers, or home care. It requires registrants to provide personal details (name, DOB, SSN) and pay an annual $125 fee to the circuit clerk, with fees funding mental health services for State Police employees. The registry combines existing requirements, so those already registering as sex offenders only pay one $125 fee instead of separate fees. Failure to pay the fee does not violate supervised release, but unpaid fees may result in a recorded judgment lien.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates registry tracking abuse offenders and funds mental health services, strengthening oversight and rehabilitation programs in criminal justice.85% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareBill mandates $125 annual fees from registry registrants to fund mental health services, directly advancing healthcare funding per summary.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing Probation & Parole Long-Term Care Mental Health

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Feb 9, 2026

HB 5368: Establish a registry for domestic violence offenders

HB 5368 would create a public registry for West Virginia domestic violence offenders with at least two qualifying convictions. It requires individuals convicted of two domestic violence offenses (such as domestic battery, assault, or strangulation against an intimate partner) to register with local state police, providing their name, address, and other identifying details. The registry would make this information publicly available to help community members protect themselves and their children, while the bill explicitly states it is for safety purposes, not punishment. The law applies retroactively to existing offenders and defines "domestic violence" under specific state statutes.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates public registry for domestic violence offenders to enhance community safety and prevent recidivism, aligning with criminal justice reform goals of victim protection and accountability.92% confidence

Sub-Topics Domestic Violence Policing Violent Crime

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 14, 2026

HB 4131: Create a Police Officer’s Bill of Rights

HB 4131, titled "Create a Police Officer’s Bill of Rights," establishes procedural protections for law enforcement officers in West Virginia. It defines "law-enforcement officer" broadly to include state police, campus police, hospital police, and others (excluding chiefs and some specialized roles), and creates specific rights during investigations, such as the right to a hearing board, protection against retaliation for reporting misconduct, and limits on disclosure of personal financial information. Key mechanisms include requiring formal hearings for complaints, prohibiting disciplinary action for exercising these rights, and ensuring officers cannot be punished for reporting issues like gross mismanagement or safety dangers. The bill supersedes conflicting local laws but does not limit a chief's authority for non-punitive management decisions.

Topics ✗ Criminal JusticeOpposes Criminal JusticeBill establishes procedural protections for officers during investigations, reducing oversight and accountability mechanisms by requiring hearing boards and limiting disclosure of personal information.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 26, 2026

HB 4812: 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.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeBill protects constitutional rights from federal overreach in law enforcement, aligning with civil rights protection in criminal justice reform.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 21, 2026

HB 4677: To require a warrant for DNR officials or officers to enter onto any private property

HB 4677 would amend West Virginia law (§20-7-4) to require natural resources police officers to obtain either a landowner's consent or a warrant before entering private property for enforcement purposes. This change directly affects landowners and DNR officers, altering current authority to enter private lands. Key provisions include adding this requirement to the officer's duties while maintaining exceptions for emergencies involving imminent threats to public safety or accidents. The bill does not change officers' existing authority to enter state-owned lands or enforce laws on public waters.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants for DNR officer property entry, enhancing accountability and protecting civil rights per criminal justice reform indicators.85% confidence

Sub-Topics Policing

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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

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 117: Creating program to reward citizens for information on drug trafficking

SB 117 creates a reward program for West Virginia residents who provide information leading to arrests for drug trafficking. The program is funded by a one-cent excise tax on each purchase of opioid antagonists (like naloxone) and fentanyl test strips, with revenue directed to a special account managed by the West Virginia State Police. Citizens reporting drug trafficking information will receive rewards paid from this account, and the rewards are exempt from taxation. The bill also includes privacy protections for informants and defines key terms like "opioid antagonist kits" and "test strips."

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesCreates one-cent excise tax on opioid meds to fund drug trafficking reward program, explicitly using taxation to fund a state program.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeCreates law enforcement reward program for drug trafficking, directly supporting enforcement efforts under Criminal Justice through citizen reporting incentives.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Sales Tax Drug Policy Policing

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signed · West Virginia · Senate Jun 25, 2026

SB 84: Prohibiting law enforcement from placing surveillance cameras on private property

SB 84 prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers from installing surveillance cameras on private property without either the property owner's consent or a valid search warrant. This directly affects police departments and private landowners by requiring legal authorization before placing cameras on fenced, posted, or cultivated land owned by non-government entities. Exceptions allow installation in areas visible to the public without authorization or during emergencies where obtaining consent/warrant isn't feasible. The bill defines "surveillance camera" to exclude police vehicle dash or body cameras but explicitly covers devices like game cameras used for observation. It applies to all law enforcement officers, including state natural resources agents, under West Virginia law.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRequires warrants/consent for police surveillance on private property, protecting civil rights and enhancing law enforcement accountability per criminal justice reform indicators.95% confidence ✓ TechnologySupports TechnologyRestricts unauthorized surveillance tech use, protecting property owners' privacy rights per data privacy indicators.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing