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Bill > SB611


WV SB611

WV SB611
Codifying common-law definition of involuntary manslaughter


summary

Introduced
01/27/2026
In Committee
01/27/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Session

Bill Summary

The purpose of this bill is to codify the common-law definition of the misdemeanor offense of involuntary manslaughter and to specify that a defendant’s act must proximately cause the death of another for a conviction to result.

AI Summary

This bill clarifies the legal definition of involuntary manslaughter, which is a less serious crime than murder. It specifies that to be convicted of involuntary manslaughter, a person must have unintentionally caused another person's death while committing an unlawful act that isn't a felony or while doing something legal in an illegal way. The bill also states that the defendant's actions must be the direct cause, or "proximately cause," of the death for a conviction to occur, and the penalty remains a fine of up to $1,000, jail time of up to one year, or both.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

To Judiciary (on 01/27/2026)

bill text


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