House Passes Bill Increasing Criminal Penalties for Child Abuse

The House convened this morning for Day 16 of the Session.

Two bills passed the House and advanced to the Senate.

House Bill 2047 increases the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust in child abuse resulting in injury and child abuse or neglect creating a risk of injury.

• Abuse causing bodily harm imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 2-10 years
• Abuse causing serious bodily harm imprisonment increased from 2-10 years to 5-15 years
• Abuse creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 2-10 years
• Second offense imprisonment increased from 1-3 years to 1-5 years
• Neglect creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 1-10 years
• Subsequent felony offenses can result in twice the imprisonment and fine amount

House Bill 2123 prohibits cameras in the bedrooms or bathrooms of foster homes. The bill allows for a few exceptions. Baby monitors are allowed when age-appropriate or the child has a medical diagnosis of severe physical disabilities or behavior, cognitive, or psychological disorders. Medical equipment with or without cameras is allowed for a child who has a medical diagnosis of severe physical disabilities or behavior, cognitive, or psychological disorders. Any exempted equipment must be in clear view and not in a hidden location.

House Bill 2354 was advanced to third reading with the right to amend. The bill bans food dyes from food sold in West Virginia.

House Bill 2400 was postponed one day. The bill prohibits the delivery of unsolicited absent ballot applications.

Bills introduced today can be found here.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow, February 28, 2025.

Committee Meetings, Today February 27

• The Subcommittee on Banking and Insurance will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Public Education will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Local Governments will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Higher Education will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Energy and Public Works will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Revenue will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Subcommittee on Human Services will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 432M.

Committee Meetings, tomorrow February 28

• The Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 460 for a continued budget hearing.
• The Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Courts will meet at 9:30 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Legal Services will meet at 9:45 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Homeland Security will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Rules Committee will meet at 10:45 a.m.
• The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Public Education will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Government Administration will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 215E.