Bill > HB4552

This bill clarifies that certain employees of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are considered law-enforcement officers, specifically correctional officers who have completed the required training. It expands their powers to include making arrests for violations occurring on facility property, pursuing escapees, and investigating criminal activity within correctional facilities. The bill also grants the Commissioner of Corrections authority to designate some employees as "correctional peace officers" with specific arrest and investigation powers, and it continues the Corrections Special Operations Team. Importantly, it allows the Commissioner to authorize correctional officers who have completed firearms training to carry division-issued firearms, including when traveling to and from work, and to receive identification to carry weapons off-duty, aligning with federal law regarding qualified retired law-enforcement officers. The bill also clarifies the Commissioner's authority to use publicly provided vehicles for official duties and establishes that these correctional officers are recognized as qualified law-enforcement officers under federal law, particularly for carrying firearms.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4552&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill