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WV HB5101
Bill
Status
Enrolled
3/14/2026
Primary Sponsor
Tristan Leavitt
Click for details
AI Summary
- Clarifies that defensive measures used for self-protection do not constitute domestic violence under West Virginia law
- Increases penalties for strangulation, suffocation, or asphyxiation of family/household members to 2-10 years imprisonment, with repeat offenders facing 3-15 years
- Raises fines for domestic battery from $500 to $2,000 (first offense) and from $1,000 to $4,000 (second offense), with third offenses now carrying up to $5,000 fine and 2-10 years imprisonment
- Establishes a $150 surcharge on all domestic violence convictions beginning January 1, 2027, with funds directed to licensed domestic violence programs
- Expands the lookback period for prior domestic violence convictions from 10 years to 20 years and allows courts to set higher bail in domestic violence cases involving protective order violations or serious risk of harm
Legislative Description
The Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act
Crime
Last Action
Completed legislative action
3/14/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/18/2026
Judiciary2/5/2026
Legal Services2/4/2026
Judiciary2/3/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available