WV HB4986

Expands the definition of child abandonment to include situations where a parent is incarcerated for a significant portion of the child's minority, considering the child's age and need for a permanent home

Presumes abandonment when an incarcerated parent has been determined to be a habitual offender, sexually violent predator, or convicted of first/second degree murder or felony sexual offenses

Requires courts to consider specific factors when determining if continuing a parental relationship with an incarcerated parent would harm the child, including the child's age, parent-child relationship, criminal history, and developmental needs

Mandates the Department of Health and Human Resources to file petitions to terminate parental rights when a parent has subjected a child to felony child abuse or felony sexual assault/abuse

Removes the exception that previously protected incarcerated parents from having their lack of contact with children considered voluntary when determining abandonment in certain circumstances