Criminal Justice (Law Enforcement)

in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 14, 2026

SB 105: Restricting public access to crime records

SB 105 (Restricting public access to crime records) allows certain individuals with pardoned or dismissed criminal charges to petition a court to limit public access to their records. Eligible individuals must have received a full pardon (with no recent non-traffic convictions or pending charges) or had charges dismissed/reduced to a local ordinance violation. The court can restrict access if it determines the harm to the person outweighs public interest, after a hearing and publication notice. Records remain accessible for sentencing, law enforcement, bar admissions, and other specific official uses, but are restricted for general public view. This bill does not apply to violent crimes, animal violence, or certain drug offenses involving violence.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeAllows sealing records for pardoned/dismissed cases, reducing barriers to reintegration and aligning with criminal justice reform goals like reducing recidivism.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Courts Law Enforcement Sentencing

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in committee · West Virginia · House of Delegates Jan 19, 2026

HB 4507: Relating to allowing a personal income tax exemption for First Responders

HB 4507 would exempt the salaries of certain first responders from West Virginia's state personal income tax. It directly affects law enforcement officers, paid firefighters, correctional officers, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel as defined in existing state law. The bill adds a new provision to the tax code stating these workers' salaries are not subject to state income tax. This change applies only to their earned income from these specific roles, not other income they may receive.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesExempts first responders' salaries from state income tax, providing direct tax relief for middle-income public safety workers.95% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeProvides tax exemption for law enforcement and correctional officers, directly funding their salaries to support workforce retention in criminal justice system.80% confidence

Sub-Topics Income Tax Tax Incentives Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

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

HB 4682: Fourth Amendment Restoration Act

HB 4682, the Fourth Amendment Restoration Act, prohibits West Virginia law enforcement officers and local government officials from using specific surveillance and artificial intelligence technologies without a warrant. It bans real-time security monitoring, facial recognition, license plate readers, surveillance drones, and other listed tools for law enforcement purposes unless a court issues a warrant based on probable cause. Violators face felony charges with penalties including up to one year in prison and $10,000 fines per violation. The bill also allows individuals to sue officials who violate these restrictions and requires immediate discontinuation of existing use of banned technologies by all local governments. The law takes effect immediately upon passage.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeRestricts law enforcement surveillance tech without warrants, protecting civil rights and enhancing police accountability per Fourth Amendment protections.95% confidence ✗ TechnologyOpposes TechnologyRestricts law enforcement use of surveillance/AI tech without warrants, limiting facial recognition, drones, and license plate readers per bill's explicit prohibitions.90% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Courts Law Enforcement Artificial Intelligence Emerging Technology

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

HB 4630: Pedophilia Prosecution Act

HB 4630, titled the "Pedophilia Prosecution Act," amends West Virginia's computer crime law to strengthen penalties for using digital platforms to solicit minors for sexual activity. It defines "minor" as anyone under 18 or someone claiming to be under 18, and increases penalties for solicitation (up to 10 years in prison) and for traveling to meet a minor after solicitation (up to 30 years). The bill removes a current restriction requiring all investigations of false minor claims to be conducted solely by law enforcement, allowing broader investigative authority. This change directly affects adults over 18 who use computers to target minors for illegal sexual acts.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeIncreases penalties for soliciting minors (up to 10 years) and traveling to meet minors (up to 30 years), strengthening law enforcement response to child exploitation under criminal justice framework.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Corrections Law Enforcement

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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

Sub-Topics Law Enforcement Policing

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

HB 4032: Establish quick response teams to work with drug users who are arrested

HB 4032 would establish quick response teams (QRTs) under West Virginia's Office of Drug Control Policy to assist individuals with substance use disorders who are arrested and experiencing drug-related medical emergencies. These teams would provide immediate support and connect arrested individuals to treatment options at regional jails or treatment facilities, working directly with law enforcement and health services. The bill requires the Office of Drug Control Policy to develop this program by coordinating with health care providers, emergency services, and law enforcement, effective July 1, 2026. This policy change aims to create a direct pathway to recovery for people with substance use disorders following an arrest.

Topics ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeEstablishes QRTs to connect drug users to treatment upon arrest, reducing punitive measures and advancing rehabilitation in criminal justice reform.95% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareCreates QRTs to connect arrested individuals with substance use disorders to treatment, improving access to healthcare services for mental health/substance abuse.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Drug Policy Law Enforcement Mental Health Substance Abuse

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in committee · West Virginia · Senate Jan 15, 2026

SB 418: Creating Safer Communities Act

SB 418, the "Creating Safer Communities Act," allows West Virginia counties to levy a new 1% sales or amusement tax starting July 2026, subject to voter approval via referendum. The tax revenue must fund public safety services (sheriff's departments, fire, and emergency response), school resource officers in unincorporated areas, and emergency services. Counties must notify state tax officials before implementation and cannot impose the tax on municipalities participating in the Municipal Home Rule Program. This bill provides counties with a new funding mechanism to address gaps in public safety and school security under current funding structures.

Topics ✓ Budget & TaxesSupports Budget & TaxesNew 1% sales/amusement tax funds public safety services, advancing essential program funding per bill's explicit revenue allocation.90% confidence ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticeFunds sheriff's departments, school resource officers, and emergency services - directly strengthens public safety infrastructure under criminal justice.95% confidence

Sub-Topics Revenue Sales Tax Law Enforcement Tags Public Safety

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