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West VirginiaHB 51012026 Regular SessionHouse

The Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act

Sponsored By: Tristan Leavitt (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§48-27-202§61-2-9D§61-2-28§62-1C-1A

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Tougher penalties for domestic violence

Beginning June 12, 2026, the law sets clear crimes for domestic battery and domestic assault against family or household members. Domestic battery can bring up to 12 months in jail or up to $2,000 in fines. Domestic assault can bring up to 6 months or up to $500 in fines. Penalties rise for repeat offenses: a second domestic battery can mean 60 days–1 year or up to $4,000; a second domestic assault can mean 30 days–6 months or up to $1,000. A third or later offense within 20 years is a felony with 2–10 years in prison or up to $5,000. You cannot be charged for the same act under this section and certain other assault statutes. Officers have civil and criminal immunity for arrests made under this section and §48-27-1002.

Harsher penalties for strangulation crimes

Beginning June 12, 2026, the law makes strangling, suffocating, or asphyxiating someone a felony if it causes injury or unconsciousness. Prison is 1–5 years, and courts may fine up to $2,500. When the victim is a family or household member, or the act happens during certain felonies, prison is 2–10 years. Repeat offenders face 3–15 years. The law defines “strangle,” “suffocate,” “asphyxiate,” and “bodily injury” to guide cases.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tristan Leavitt

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • James Robert "JB" Akers II

    Republican • House

  • David Cannon

    Republican • House

  • Lori Dittman

    Republican • House

  • Sarah Drennan

    Republican • House

  • Dana Ferrell

    Republican • House

  • Tresa Howell

    Republican • House

  • Laura Kimble

    Republican • House

  • Jordan Maynor

    Republican • House

  • Erica Moore

    Republican • House

  • Carl "Bill" Roop

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 257 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 683)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment and title amendment (Roll No. 645)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/13/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 557)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/17/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 112)

Yes: 93 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026House

  2. To Governor 3/25/26

    3/25/2026House

  3. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  4. House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment and title amendment (Roll No. 645)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  6. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  7. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 683)

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  13. On 3rd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  14. Read 3rd time

    3/13/2026Senate

  15. Unanimous consent to amend on 3rd reading

    3/13/2026Senate

  16. Amended on 3rd reading (Voice vote)

    3/13/2026Senate

  17. Passed Senate (Roll No. 557)

    3/13/2026Senate

  18. Com. title amendment withdrawn by unanimous consent

    3/13/2026Senate

  19. Title amendment adopted

    3/13/2026Senate

  20. Senate requests House to concur

    3/13/2026Senate

  21. On 2nd reading

    3/12/2026Senate

  22. Read 2nd time

    3/12/2026Senate

  23. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/12/2026Senate

  24. Reported do pass, with amendment

    3/11/2026Senate

  25. Immediate consideration

    3/11/2026Senate

Bill Text

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