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WV SB200
WV SB200Increasing criminal penalties and fines for assault on certain public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
02/21/2026
02/21/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §61-2-10b of the Code of West Virginia, 1931 as amended; to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §61-5-30; and to repeal §19-20-24, relating to increasing the criminal penalties and fines for assault or battery of governmental representatives, health care providers, utility workers, law-enforcement officers, correctional employees, emergency medical service personnel, and animals used for law enforcement; providing criminal penalties and fines for the crime of causing death or injury to animals used by law-enforcement officials or by fire prevention or investigation officials; defining terms; providing for the right to self-defense; providing an euthanasia exception; and requiring restitution when a public safety animal is killed or injured.
AI Summary
This bill increases criminal penalties and fines for assaulting certain public service workers, law-enforcement officers, and police animals in West Virginia. It amends existing laws to make battery and assault against government representatives, healthcare workers, utility workers, emergency service personnel, correctional employees, and law-enforcement officers felonies, with increased prison sentences and fines, especially for repeat offenses. The bill also introduces new penalties for causing injury or death to "public safety animals," defined as animals trained to assist public safety officers like police dogs, making such acts a misdemeanor for minor injury and a felony for serious injury or death, with provisions for restitution and an exception for euthanasia performed by officials.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (3)
Last Action
To House Judiciary (on 02/23/2026)
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