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Bill > HB4466
WV HB4466
WV HB4466Extend the public intoxication of alcohol code to include being under the impairment of narcotics in public
summary
Introduced
01/16/2026
01/16/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
A BILL to amend and reenact §60-6-9 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to making it a misdemeanor to being under the impairment of controlled substances in public; and providing for criminal penalties and education upon conviction thereof.
AI Summary
This bill expands the existing law against public intoxication to include being under the influence of controlled substances, which are drugs regulated by federal and state law. The bill amends Section 60-6-9 of the West Virginia Code to make it a misdemeanor for a person to appear in a public place while intoxicated from either alcohol or controlled substances, with penalties including fines and mandatory counseling on alcohol and controlled substance dependence. The definition of "intoxicated" will now encompass impairment from both substances, and the penalties for repeat offenses will include jail time or more extensive counseling, with three convictions within six months serving as evidence of addiction. The bill also clarifies that law enforcement officers have discretion in how they handle individuals found in violation, including issuing citations, arranging transportation, or seeking medical attention if necessary, and outlines procedures for judicial officers to follow.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (5)
Last Action
Senate Judiciary Committee Meeting (00:00:00 3/3/2026 Senate Judiciary Committee Room, 208 West) (on 03/03/2026)
bill text
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4466&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| hb4466 hfat akers 2-11 adopted | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/legisdocs/chamber/2026/RS/floor_amends/hb4466%20hfat%20akers%202-11%20adopted.htm |
| hb4466 hfat akers 2-11 | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/legisdocs/chamber/2026/RS/floor_amends/hb4466%20hfat%20akers%202-11.htm |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4466%20sub1%20eng.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4466 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4466%20sub1.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4466 |
| Fiscal Note - Corrections & Rehabilitation, Division of | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=954426489 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4466%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4466 |
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