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WV SB197

Bill

Status

Enrolled

3/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Ryan Weld

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends West Virginia Code §61-8D-5 to add "attempt" as a prosecutable offense for sexual abuse of a child by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust
  • Expands subsection (a) to criminalize attempts to engage in sexual exploitation, sexual intercourse, sexual intrusion, or sexual contact with a child under one's care, custody, or control
  • Adds "attempts to procure, authorize, or induce" another person to sexually abuse a child under age 16 as a felony punishable by 5-15 years imprisonment and/or $1,000-$10,000 fine
  • Adds the same attempt language for cases involving children age 16 or older, punishable by 1-5 years imprisonment
  • Introduced by Senator Weld on January 14, 2026, and referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee

Legislative Description

Relating to crime of sexual abuse by parent, guardian, custodian, or person in position of trust to child

Crime

Last Action

Completed legislative action

3/14/2026

Committee Referrals

Judiciary3/2/2026
Judiciary1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available