Bill > HB2433

This bill allows magistrates to order a mental health evaluation for defendants charged with specific offenses involving protective order violations or terroristic threats before setting bail. Under the proposed legislation, a magistrate can require a defendant to undergo an evaluation by a state-licensed mental health provider to determine if mental health treatment or counseling should be a condition of their bond. The evaluation must be scheduled within ten days of the order and the examiner must submit a report to the magistrate within 48 hours of completion. Following the report, a bond hearing must be held within 5 days. The specific offenses covered include violations of protective orders (under §48-27-903 and §53-8-11) and threats of terroristic acts (under §61-6-24). The primary goal of this bill appears to be ensuring that defendants who may have underlying mental health issues receive appropriate evaluation and potential treatment as part of the bail process, potentially improving public safety and addressing individual mental health needs.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=2433&year=2025&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill