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WV HB2984

WV HB2984
Create a Police Officer’s Bill of Rights


summary

Introduced
02/26/2025
In Committee
02/26/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
04/12/2025

Introduced Session

2025 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to guarantee certain procedural safeguards to law-enforcement officers during any investigation or interrogation or subsequent hearing that could lead to disciplinary action, demotion, or dismissal.

AI Summary

This bill creates a comprehensive Police Officer's Bill of Rights that establishes detailed procedural protections for law enforcement officers during investigations and disciplinary proceedings. The bill defines key terms like "law-enforcement officer" broadly, covering various types of peace officers, and outlines specific rights such as the ability to engage in political activities (when off-duty), protection from retaliation for exercising rights, and the right to secondary employment. During investigations, officers are guaranteed significant procedural safeguards, including the right to be informed about the nature of the investigation, to have counsel present during interrogations, to be questioned only at reasonable hours and locations, and to have a complete record of the interrogation. The bill establishes a hearing board process for disciplinary actions, requiring the board to be composed primarily of law enforcement officers of similar rank, with potential public member representation. The hearing must be fair and allow both sides to present evidence, and any final disciplinary decision must be in writing with specific findings of fact. The bill also allows officers to have complaints expunged under certain circumstances, provides for summary punishment for minor infractions, and creates mechanisms for emergency suspensions. Importantly, the bill preempts any conflicting local laws and provides a mechanism for judicial review of disciplinary actions, ensuring that law enforcement officers have robust procedural protections throughout disciplinary processes.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

To House Judiciary (on 02/26/2025)

bill text


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