Bill > SB225

This bill expands the law enforcement powers of federal officers in West Virginia by adding several new categories of federal law enforcement agents to the existing list of those authorized to enforce state laws under specific circumstances. The bill specifically enhances the powers of National Park Service rangers and United States Forest Service officers, granting them the authority to arrest, conduct searches, and seize evidence for state law offenses committed within their respective federal lands. These officers can now undertake independent investigations, but only for activities occurring on lands managed by the National Park Service or United States Forest Service. The bill maintains important limitations, such as prohibiting these officers from initiating investigations unrelated to their federal lands and ensuring they are subject to the same authorities, exemptions, and immunities as state and local law enforcement officers. The expanded list of authorized federal law enforcement agents now includes United States Fish and Wildlife special agents, Diplomatic Security Service special agents, Coast Guard special agents, Customs and Border Protection officers, Department of Defense special agents, Federal Protective Service officers, Federal Bureau of Prisons officers, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents, in addition to those previously listed. This legislation provides a more comprehensive framework for federal law enforcement collaboration within the state of West Virginia.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=225&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill