WV SB986

Creates a new felony crime of "child torture" in West Virginia, defined as a course of conduct over more than a single 48-hour period against a child in one's care, custody, or control

Defines torture to include 12 specific acts: breaking or severing limbs, prolonged pain from striking/burning/cutting, deprivation of food or water, unreasonable restraint, forcing habitation in unsuitable areas, exposure to extreme temperatures, excessive punitive exercise, sexual abuse or exploitation, repeated intimidation or humiliation, terrorizing threats, restricting basic hygiene, and conduct risking serious bodily injury

Establishes penalties of 1-5 years imprisonment when the victim suffers no bodily injury, and 2-10 years imprisonment when the victim suffers bodily injury

Applies to parents, guardians, custodians, persons in positions of trust, or anyone with care, custody, or control over a child who acts intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly