PRIA Logo™
West VirginiaSB 7412026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Expanding pilot program to implement involuntary commitment process

Sponsored By: Brian Helton (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§27-5-1B

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Quarterly reviews of commitment paperwork

The Department of Human Services runs confidential, quarterly audits of commitment applications and examiner forms. Reviews check if the clinical reasons are sound and the law was followed. The department must create fixes for any problems it finds. The audits and findings are confidential and not subject to subpoena or most public-records rules.

Faster, clearer evaluations at centers

Mental health centers must provide a licensed person to do prompt evaluations for involuntary commitment. Evaluations are in person unless that would cause a substantial delay, then video is allowed. Centers must work with the state hospital to speed admission and share needed information. They must explain the process, treatment options, possible loss of liberty, and likely risks and benefits to the applicant and the person.

New standards and pause on commitment transport

The Department of Human Services sets rules for alternative transport used in involuntary commitments. The rules cover role, scope, training, regulation, and how to pay for these providers. Until those standards are made and put in place, no alternative transport providers can be used. DHS works with the courts, law enforcement, defender and prosecutor groups, and behavioral health partners. Recommendations were due to lawmakers by July 31, 2022.

Pilot commitment process in seven counties

Agencies can run pilot projects for the involuntary commitment process in Cabell, Berkeley, Hampshire, Morgan, Ohio, Raleigh, and Wood counties. The Supreme Court, mental health facilities, law enforcement, DHS, and Health Facilities may join. The pilots test new steps and teamwork to improve how the process runs. These changes apply only in those seven counties.

Free Policy Watch

You just read the policy. Now see what it costs you.

Pick a topic. PRIA runs your household against live legislation and sends you a free personalized readout.

Pick a topic to get started

My TaxesMy HealthMy BudgetMy MoneyMy Freedom
Or tell us something more specific

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Brian Helton

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Tom Takubo

    Republican • Senate

  • Darren Thorne

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 124 • No: 3

House vote • 3/12/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 443)

Yes: 92 • No: 3

Senate vote • 3/2/2026

Passed Senate (Roll No. 276)

Yes: 32 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Approved by Governor 4/1/2026

    4/1/2026Senate

  2. To Governor 3/18/2026

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. To Governor 3/18/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  6. House Message received

    3/13/2026Senate

  7. On 3rd reading, Special Calendar

    3/12/2026House

  8. Read 3rd time

    3/12/2026House

  9. Passed House (Roll No. 443)

    3/12/2026House

  10. Communicated to Senate

    3/12/2026House

  11. Completed legislative action

    3/12/2026House

  12. On 2nd reading, Special Calendar

    3/11/2026House

  13. Read 2nd time

    3/11/2026House

  14. Do pass

    3/10/2026House

  15. Immediate consideration

    3/10/2026House

  16. Read 1st time

    3/10/2026House

  17. House received Senate message

    3/3/2026House

  18. Introduced in House

    3/3/2026House

  19. To Finance

    3/3/2026House

  20. To House Finance

    3/3/2026House

  21. On 3rd reading

    3/2/2026Senate

  22. Read 3rd time

    3/2/2026Senate

  23. Passed Senate (Roll No. 276)

    3/2/2026Senate

  24. Ordered to House

    3/2/2026Senate

  25. On 2nd reading

    2/27/2026Senate

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation

Take It Personal

Get Your Personalized Policy View

Take the PRIA Score to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.

Already have an account? Sign in