WV HB4048

Selling or bartering a child for adoption or any other purpose is a felony punishable by up to $5,000 fine and/or up to 14 years imprisonment

Unlicensed persons or organizations are prohibited from advertising adoption placement services, accepting or providing children for adoption, or soliciting children for adoption through any public medium

Only the Department of Human Services (licensed agencies) or licensed West Virginia attorneys may legally place children for adoption; birth parents are exempt from licensing requirements

Individuals convicted of unlicensed adoption activities face $1,000-$5,000 fines and/or up to one year in jail

Organizations, associations, or corporations violating the law face minimum $5,000 fines and potential revocation of licenses or permits