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WV HB5496
Bill
Status
Introduced
2/13/2026
Primary Sponsor
Margitta Mazzocchi
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new felony offense of child torture in West Virginia, applicable to perpetrators aged 16 or older
- Imposes 10-25 years imprisonment with no parole eligibility before 10 years when torture causes bodily injury to a child
- Imposes 10-20 years imprisonment with no parole eligibility before 8 years when torture does not cause bodily injury
- Defines "torture" to include 12 specific acts: breaking/severing limbs, inflicting severe pain through striking/burning/cutting, food or water deprivation, unreasonable restraint, forcing confinement in unsuitable areas, exposure to extreme temperatures, excessive physical punishment, sexual abuse or exploitation, repeated intimidation or humiliation, terrorizing threats, restricting hygiene functions, and conduct risking serious bodily injury
Legislative Description
Providing for the offense of child torture.
Crime
Last Action
To House Judiciary
2/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/13/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available