WV SB598

Authorizes judges in child custody proceedings to refer parents to the prosecuting attorney for potential criminal charges under §61-6-20 (falsely reporting an emergency incident) when the court determines a parent knowingly made a false accusation of child abuse, neglect, or domestic violence

Maintains existing authority for courts to order reimbursement of reasonable costs and attorney's fees incurred by the falsely accused parent

Applies to accusations made during temporary or permanent parenting plan proceedings, including custody allocation determinations

Requires the court to first determine, based on investigation or other evidence, that the accusation was false and that the parent knew it was false at the time it was made