WV HB4857

Transporting a telecommunication device onto the grounds of any jail, state correctional facility, juvenile facility, or juvenile detention center without authorization would become a felony offense in West Virginia

The penalty for this felony would be a fine of $1,000 to $5,000, imprisonment of 2-10 years in a state correctional facility, or both (alternatively, up to 1 year in jail and up to $500 fine at the court's discretion)

Current law treats unauthorized transport of telecommunication devices as a misdemeanor with penalties of $100-$500 fine and/or up to 1 year in jail; this bill eliminates that lesser charge

Telecommunication devices are defined as any instrument capable of transmitting telephonic, electronic, digital, cellular, or radio communications, including cellular phones, digital phones, and modem equipment

The bill adds telecommunication devices to the list of prohibited items (alongside alcohol, weapons, controlled substances, and implements of escape) that carry felony penalties when transported onto correctional facility grounds