The House Judiciary Committee and its subcommittees met this morning.
Judiciary
House Bill 4456 would grant privileges to local and state law enforcement, allowing other agencies from West Virginia or an adjoining state to temporarily provide assistance with investigations or criminal activity. This bill was reported to the full House.
House Bill 4484 would allow county commissions to have the same flexibility to sell or lease property as municipalities, such as using competitive bidding or a public auction. This bill was reported to the full House.
House Bill 4606 would allow judicial officers, when determining bail or in determining good cause for release, to use residency status. In the bill, this is described as including, but not limited to, if they are a resident of the state, they have ties to the community, or if they are a flight risk. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
Courts
House Bill 4570 would allow whoever is serving the eviction notice to post it on the front door and secure and take a photograph of it to show that it was posted. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 4603 would create a diversion process to allow parents who are having their children removed from their home to be placed with a family member under guardianship. This process is only available to select child abuse and neglect cases. Cases that are not available to this process include, but are not limited to, those where a parent has subjected a child to abandonment, torture, and chronic abuse. This bill was moved to markup and passage.
House Bill 4755 would create enhanced sentencing for offenders of aggravated vehicular homicide, driving under the influence causing serious bodily injury, and third offense driving under the influence. This sentencing applies to offenders who have been previously convicted. This bill was moved to markup and passage.
Homeland Security
House Bill 4552 would clarify what correctional officers of the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation can do in their facilities. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 4179 would create felony charges for any assault on a police officer or police dog. This bill was advanced to markup and discussion.
Legal Services
House Bill 4625 would change the definitions of excise tax on property transfers to add and clarify exemptions. This bill was reported to the Judiciary.
House Bill 4601 would expand the West Virginia State Police Unit for Child Abuse and Neglect Investigations. This bill would increase the number of members in the unit and would have offices located within the Department of Human Services offices. This bill will be advanced to markup and discussion.
