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WV HB4433
Bill
Status
3/14/2026
Primary Sponsor
Bill Ridenour
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AI Summary
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Creates a new crime of "human smuggling" defined as knowingly transporting, harboring, or shielding an illegal alien (not an immediate family member) from law enforcement, punishable by 2-10 years for adults and 3-15 years for minors
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Increases penalties for human trafficking offenses: trafficking adults now carries 3-15 years (up from previous range), trafficking minors carries 5-20 years, and sexual servitude involving minors carries a minimum 50-year sentence
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Establishes that illegal aliens who are victims of trafficking or smuggling are not eligible for court-ordered restitution payments from convicted offenders
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Adds aggravating circumstances that eliminate parole eligibility, including use of deadly weapons, bodily injury, sexual offenses against victims, or any offense involving a minor victim
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Authorizes seizure and forfeiture of vehicles, vessels, or aircraft used in human trafficking or smuggling when the owner knowingly participated in the offense
Legislative Description
Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking
Crime
Last Action
Approved by Governor 3/14/2026 - Senate Journal
3/14/2026