Bill > HB4880

This bill, titled "The Deployed Servicemembers Protection Act," aims to safeguard the families, homes, and property of West Virginia servicemembers while they are deployed for military service, recognizing that such deployments benefit the nation and the state. The act clarifies that all provisions of the federal Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA), which provides legal protections to servicemembers, are in effect for those called to active duty, including National Guard members serving in state capacities. Key definitions are aligned with the SCRA, with "military service" specifically expanded to include National Guard members called to state service for 30 days or longer. The bill establishes specific protections for servicemembers deployed for 30 days or more, preventing spouses from selling residences, vehicles, or conducting financial transactions exceeding $10,000, closing joint financial accounts, or withdrawing more than 50% from joint accounts without the servicemember's express written consent. It also restricts spouses from removing joint custody children out of state for more than two weeks and mandates the return of children to the home of record for joint custody within one week of the servicemember's return, unless otherwise agreed upon in writing. Violations of these protections are classified as misdemeanors, punishable by up to 30 days in jail, a fine of up to $5,000, and civil liability.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4880&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill