Bill > SB986

This bill establishes the crime of child torture in West Virginia, defining "torture" as a course of conduct against a child that includes specific acts such as causing severe pain, prolonged deprivation of food or water, severe restraint, forcing the child into unsuitable living conditions, subjecting them to extreme temperatures, excessive punishment, sexual abuse, or conduct that causes significant emotional distress or risk of serious bodily injury. The bill also defines "emotional distress" as significant mental or psychological suffering and "period of time" as more than a single 48-hour period. A person is guilty of child torture if they intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly torture a child under their care, custody, or control, or for whom they owe a duty of protection, or if they are a parent, guardian, custodian, or in a position of trust. Penalties vary depending on whether the child suffers bodily injury: a felony with imprisonment of one to five years if no bodily injury occurs, and a felony with imprisonment of two to 10 years if bodily injury does occur.

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http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=986&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill