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WV HB4676
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Chris Anders
Click for details
AI Summary
- Abolishes the "open fields doctrine" in West Virginia, which previously allowed warrantless searches of private land beyond the immediate area surrounding a dwelling
- Extends Fourth Amendment and state constitutional protections to private property including fenced land and wooded areas where signage or other indicators show the area is private
- Requires law enforcement to obtain a valid search warrant before searching open fields, with only constitutionally established exceptions permitted
- Defines "open fields" as private property beyond the curtilage (land immediately surrounding a dwelling), including fenced and wooded areas
- Introduced January 21, 2026, and referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary
Legislative Description
End open fields doctrine
Natural Resources
Last Action
To House Judiciary
1/21/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary1/21/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available