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West VirginiaHB 41382026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to persons convicted of a crime

Sponsored By: James Robert "JB" Akers II (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§15-12-2

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Automatic listing on abuse registry

The West Virginia State Police run a Central Abuse Registry. If you are convicted in West Virginia of child abuse or neglect, or abuse or neglect of an incapacitated adult or an adult receiving behavioral health services, you are listed automatically. The registry keeps your name, date of birth, Social Security number and fingerprints (if available), the offense, and where the case files are kept. Beginning June 12, 2026, these rules apply.

Who must register as a sex offender

You must register as a sex offender if you are convicted, you attempted, or you are found not guilty by reason of mental illness, mental retardation, or addiction for listed crimes. This also covers equivalent out‑of‑state, federal, or military offenses. A judge’s written finding that your crime was sexually motivated also triggers registration. The law applies to past and future qualifying convictions. Before release or community supervision, releasing officials must collect your registration info, tell you to register, and send it to State Police within three business days. If you were confined at conviction, you must register within three business days of release. Courts must send registration info and nonidentifying victim details within 72 hours of sentencing or commitment. In court, you must sign a statement that you understand these duties. If no signature exists, State Police will notify you. Beginning June 12, 2026, these rules apply.

Annual $125 fee and lien rules

People on the Central Abuse Registry must pay $125 each year between January 1 and June 30 to the State Police. If you must register on both the Central Abuse Registry and the sex offender registry, one $125 payment covers both. Not paying, or not showing proof, is not a supervised release violation. If you do not pay after a certified notice, the State Police can record a judgment lien 30 days later. They must release it within 30 days after you pay and give you written proof. The State Police send fees to the state treasurer; the money first funds mental health services for current and former State Police employees. Beginning June 12, 2026, these rules apply.

What sex offender registrants must provide

You must register in person at the State Police detachment in your county. A post office box is not allowed as your residential address. You must give your name and aliases; home and habitually visited addresses; employer; Social Security number; photo; fingerprints and palm prints; crime details; vehicles and plates; internet account IDs and screen names; phone or pager numbers; government ID; passport or immigration papers; any professional licenses; and details and a photo for any drone you own or use. If you are labeled a sexually violent predator, the registry also includes your physical traits, offense history, and any mental‑health treatment records. The public can see online the information the law makes public, but your phone and pager numbers are not posted. Beginning June 12, 2026, these rules apply.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • James Robert "JB" Akers II

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Jonathan Pinson

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 356 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

Effective from passage (Roll No. 598)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 687)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 597)

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 394)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 2/2/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 35)

Yes: 97 • 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 with amendment (Roll No. 597)

    3/14/2026House

  5. Effective from passage (Roll No. 598)

    3/14/2026House

  6. Communicated to Senate

    3/14/2026House

  7. House Message received

    3/14/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 687)

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Effective ninety days from passage

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026House

  15. On 3rd reading

    3/10/2026Senate

  16. Read 3rd time

    3/10/2026Senate

  17. Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 394)

    3/10/2026Senate

  18. Senate requests House to concur

    3/10/2026Senate

  19. On 2nd reading

    3/9/2026Senate

  20. Read 2nd time

    3/9/2026Senate

  21. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/9/2026Senate

  22. Reported do pass, with amendment and title amendment

    3/6/2026Senate

  23. Immediate consideration

    3/6/2026Senate

  24. Read 1st time

    3/6/2026Senate

  25. Introduced in Senate

    2/3/2026Senate

Bill Text

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