Bill > SB601

This bill establishes a medical parole program for inmates in West Virginia who are suffering from a terminal illness, are medically incapacitated (meaning they require assistance with essential daily tasks due to a condition unlikely to improve), or are geriatric (aged 55 or older with age-related chronic conditions requiring assistance with daily life functions). Inmates, their legal representatives, family members, or correctional staff can submit a petition for medical parole, which must include a detailed medical plan outlining diagnosis, treatment, care location, provider availability, and financial arrangements. The superintendent of the correctional institution reviews the petition and provides a recommendation to the Commissioner of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, who then notifies relevant parties, including prosecutors and potentially victims, and may hold a hearing. The Commissioner makes a final decision based on factors like the inmate's diagnosis, cost of care, risk to public safety, and sentencing history, and provides written reasons for the decision. Inmates denied parole can petition for reconsideration after six months if their medical condition has significantly changed, and the Commissioner will also periodically review denied cases. The bill also mandates annual reporting on medical parole statistics, including the number of petitions, approvals, denials, cost savings, and demographic data of those affected, and grants the Commissioner rulemaking authority to implement the program.

Health and Social Services

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=601&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill