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WV HB4402
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/16/2026
Primary Sponsor
Scot Heckert
Click for details
AI Summary
- Authorizes county sheriffs, with county commission consent, to appoint school protection officers to serve on premises owned or leased by county boards of education
- Requires school protection officers to pass criminal background checks, drug testing, and psychological evaluations, and meet law-enforcement certification requirements under existing state code
- Grants school protection officers general police powers including arrest authority, but exempts them from deputy sheriff civil service, investigation procedures, and retirement system requirements
- Prohibits school protection officers from engaging in political activity benefiting the sheriff or sheriff candidates, participating in strikes or labor disputes, or serving as election officials
- Establishes misdemeanor penalties of $50-$300 fines and/or up to six months jail for officers violating the article's provisions, with mandatory revocation of appointment
Legislative Description
Relating to school protection officers
Public Safety
Last Action
To House Education
2/18/2026
Committee Referrals
Education2/18/2026
Public Education2/8/2026
Education1/16/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available