summary
Introduced
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
In Committee
02/12/2026
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/14/2026
03/14/2026
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill relates to federal immigration enforcement. The bill supplements and expands existing cooperation requirements. The bill mandates participation by state-supported law enforcement agencies in the federal 287(g) program. The bill requires detention facilities of a specified operational capacity to seek and maintain the Jail Enforcement Model. The bill authorizes use of the Warrant Service Officer Model only upon written federal denial. The bill establishes minimum operational standards. The bill provides for reporting and audits. The bill authorizes enforcement by the Attorney General. The bill requires withholding of certain state funds for noncompliance. The bill provides immunity. The bill provides for rulemaking. Finally, the bill provides for severability and an effective date.
AI Summary
This bill mandates that state-supported law enforcement agencies in West Virginia participate in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained local officers to enforce federal immigration laws, and requires detention facilities with 300 or more beds to seek the more comprehensive "Jail Enforcement Model" (JEM) for immigration enforcement within their facilities, allowing the less comprehensive "Warrant Service Officer" (WSO) model only if the JEM is denied by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The bill also establishes minimum cooperation standards with ICE, requires reporting on 287(g) activities, and mandates that the State Treasurer withhold state funds from noncompliant agencies, while providing immunity for good-faith actions taken under the law.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (7)
Bill Ridenour (R)*,
Jim Butler (R),
Joe Funkhouser (R),
Rick Hillenbrand (R),
Josh Holstein (R),
Chris Phillips (R),
Bryan Ward (R),
Last Action
To House Judiciary (on 02/12/2026)
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5477&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5477%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5477 |
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