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West VirginiaHB 49962026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to bail in cases involving terroristic threats to schools or children

Sponsored By: Carl Martin (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§62-1C-17D

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.

Court rules for trying threat cases

A threat offense can be charged where the message started or where it was received or meant to be received. Not being able to carry out the threat is not a defense. These crimes are in addition to other crimes and can be charged alongside them.

Felony for violent threats and stay-away zones

Intentionally sending a threat to commit a violent crime is a felony when it causes, or recklessly risks, severe public alarm. Penalty: a $2,500 to $10,000 fine and one to ten years in prison, or both. A court can bar a charged or released person from living or working within 1,000 feet of the threatened place. If one person was targeted, the court can also bar living or working within 1,000 feet of that person’s home during release. A "threat" means a serious message a reasonable person takes as intent to use violence. A "crime of violence" means using, trying to use, or threatening physical force against a person.

Penalties and payback for false emergency reports

Knowingly making a false emergency report is a crime. First offenses can mean up to a $500 fine, up to six months in jail, or both. A repeat offense, or one that causes bodily injury, is a felony with a $5,000 to $10,000 fine and one to five years in prison, or both. Courts can order the convicted person to repay documented emergency response costs before sentencing. Severe public alarm includes evacuations, big service disruptions, or widespread panic. Authorized emergency drills are exempt.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • William Anderson

    Republican • House

  • Adam Burkhammer

    Republican • House

  • Jim Butler

    Republican • House

  • Joe Funkhouser

    Republican • House

  • Michael Hornby

    Republican • House

  • Phil Mallow

    Republican • House

  • Pat McGeehan

    Republican • House

  • Chris Phillips

    Republican • House

  • Bill Ridenour

    Republican • House

  • Mark Zatezalo

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 227 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 681)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 553)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/16/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 95)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/2026

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment and passed bill (Roll No. 681)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. To Governor 3/25/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  11. On 3rd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  12. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  13. Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 553)

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. On 2nd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  16. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  17. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026Senate

  18. Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment

    3/11/2026Senate

  19. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

  20. Read 1st time

    3/11/2026Senate

  21. Introduced in Senate

    2/17/2026Senate

  22. To Judiciary

    2/17/2026Senate

  23. To Judiciary

    2/17/2026Senate

  24. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    2/16/2026House

  25. Read 3rd time

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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