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WV SB473
Bill
Status
Engrossed
2/10/2026
Primary Sponsor
Robbie Morris
Click for details
AI Summary
- Creates a new felony offense for using electronic devices (computers, phones, gaming devices) to threaten violent crimes that cause building evacuations, serious public alarm, or significant public inconvenience
- Establishes felony punishment of 2-10 years in a state correctional facility for electronic threats of violence, compared to existing misdemeanor penalties of up to $500 fine and 6 months jail for first offense harassment
- Requires prosecutors to prove the defendant knew or should have known the communication would be viewed as a threat, and that a reasonable person would view it as threatening
- Adds "gaming device" to the list of covered electronic communication devices in existing harassment statutes
- Prohibits anyone charged or convicted under this section from residing, working, or being present within 3,000 feet of any victim's property while on bail, probation, parole, or other supervised release
Legislative Description
Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence
Public Safety
Last Action
Postponed indefinitely
3/12/2026
Committee Referrals
Judiciary2/12/2026
Judiciary1/19/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available