Bill > HB4695

This bill proposes to increase criminal penalties for various offenses involving minors in West Virginia. Specifically, it aims to double the prison sentences and fines for sexual assault in the third degree, which involves sexual intercourse or intrusion with a mentally incapacitated person or a person significantly younger than the offender. It also elevates sexual abuse in the third degree, defined as sexual contact without consent due to the victim's age (under 16), from a misdemeanor to a felony with significantly harsher penalties, including longer prison terms and higher fines. Furthermore, the bill increases penalties for child neglect resulting in death, and for parents, guardians, custodians, or individuals in a position of trust who engage in or attempt to engage in sexual exploitation, intercourse, intrusion, or contact with a child under their care, regardless of the child's consent or apparent injury. The bill also increases penalties for those who procure, authorize, or induce others to commit such acts against a child, and for those who send, distribute, exhibit, possess, display, or transport material depicting a child in sexually explicit conduct. The term "position of trust" generally refers to someone who has authority or responsibility over a child, such as a teacher, coach, or caregiver.