Bill > HB5198

This bill amends West Virginia law to explicitly include "disability" as a protected characteristic when prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights, meaning that individuals with disabilities are now protected from violence, intimidation, or interference with their rights based on their disability. The bill clarifies that such violations, whether by force or threat of force, or by conspiracy to commit such acts, are considered felonies punishable by fines up to $5,000 or imprisonment up to ten years, or both. It also establishes that committing a crime because of a victim's disability will be considered an aggravating circumstance when sentencing. The bill defines "disability" by referencing another section of West Virginia code, and it includes exceptions for teaching self-defense techniques and for labor union activities.

Justice

http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5198&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill