Bill > HB4962

This bill proposes to add a new section to West Virginia law that defines properties used to facilitate violations of controlled substances laws, such as the sale or manufacture of illegal drugs, as public nuisances. This means that if a property is involved in drug-related illegal activities, it can be legally addressed as a public nuisance. The bill authorizes counties or municipalities to file lawsuits in circuit court to stop these nuisances and prevent them from continuing. If a nuisance is proven, the court can issue a temporary injunction, which is a court order to stop the illegal activity, and can also order the property to be closed, even without requiring a security bond from the party seeking the injunction. When deciding whether to order a property closure, the court must consider several factors, including how long and how severe the nuisance has been, whether the property owner has tried to fix previous problems, how the nuisance affects neighbors or businesses, and the impact of a closure on innocent residents or occupants, including whether they have other housing options or are facing eviction.

Justice, Military Affairs and Security

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4962&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill