Bill > HB4048

This bill establishes new criminal offenses related to the adoption of children in West Virginia. It makes it a felony for anyone to sell or barter a child for adoption, punishable by a fine of up to $5,000 or imprisonment for up to 14 years, or both. Additionally, the bill creates misdemeanor offenses for individuals or organizations that are not properly licensed by the Department of Human Services or authorized to practice law in West Virginia, if they advertise their services for placing children for adoption, accept or provide children for adoption, or solicit children for adoption through public means. Violations of these misdemeanor provisions by an individual can result in a fine of at least $1,000 and up to $5,000, or jail time of up to one year, or both. For organizations, associations, or corporations, the penalty is a fine of at least $5,000 and potential revocation of any existing licenses or permits. The bill specifically exempts birth parents from these misdemeanor provisions.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4048&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill