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WV HB4552
Bill
Status
Enrolled
3/14/2026
Primary Sponsor
Eric Brooks
Click for details
AI Summary
- Clarifies that correctional officers employed by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation are law-enforcement officers who have completed required training, exempting them from separate certification requirements under §30-29-1
- Changes permissive language ("may") to affirmative authorization language ("are authorized and empowered to" or "have the authority to") for correctional officers' arrest and detention powers
- Confirms correctional officers with arrest powers and firearm authorization are "qualified law-enforcement officers" under federal law (18 U.S.C. § 926B), enabling them to carry concealed firearms nationwide
- Requires the Commissioner to issue photographic identification and certification cards to designated correctional officers for off-duty concealed carry purposes
- Applies the provisions of §30-29-12 (law enforcement officer standards) to all correctional officers recognized as qualified law-enforcement officers under the bill
Legislative Description
Relating to the law-enforcement powers of correctional officers
Corrections
Last Action
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/9/2026
Judiciary1/29/2026
Homeland Security1/28/2026
Judiciary1/20/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available