Bill > HB4131

This bill establishes a "Police Officer's Bill of Rights" to ensure procedural safeguards for law-enforcement officers during investigations or interrogations that could lead to disciplinary action, demotion, or dismissal. It defines key terms like "chief" (head of a law-enforcement agency), "hearing" (a formal proceeding with testimony), and "law-enforcement officer" (individuals authorized to make arrests and enforce laws, with specific exclusions). The bill supersedes conflicting state and local laws, except for certain administrative hearing processes related to police training certification. It grants officers rights such as engaging in political activity when off-duty, regulating secondary employment, and protecting their financial and personal information unless directly relevant to official duties or legally required. Officers are protected from retaliation for exercising their rights or disclosing certain information about mismanagement or dangers. The bill outlines specific procedures for investigations and interrogations, including informing officers of the nature of the investigation, their rights, and the individuals involved, and mandates that interrogations occur at reasonable times and places. It also grants officers the right to counsel during interrogations and requires a record of the interrogation to be kept. Furthermore, it establishes a process for administrative charges, including a one-year limitation unless the charges involve criminal activity or excessive force, and ensures officers have the right to a hearing before a "hearing board" (a panel of officers, potentially with public members) if disciplinary action is recommended, with provisions for judicial review and expungement of unfounded complaints. The bill also addresses summary punishment for minor violations and emergency suspensions, while prohibiting false statements during investigations.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4131&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill