WV SB1046

Increases fines for first degree sexual assault from $1,000-$10,000 to $10,000-$100,000

Mandates life imprisonment for first degree sexual assault when the defendant is 18 years or older and the victim is younger than 12 years old, replacing the previous 25-100 year sentence range

Raises fines for cases involving adult offenders and victims under 12 from $5,000-$25,000 to $50,000-$250,000

Establishes jury procedures for first degree sexual assault cases parallel to murder cases, allowing juries to recommend mercy which would make the defendant eligible for parole after serving 15 years

Permits courts to grant parole eligibility when defendants plead guilty, with a minimum 15-year served requirement before parole consideration