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West VirginiaHB 43642026 Regular SessionHouse

Relating to concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military installations

Sponsored By: Doug Smith (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§1-1-4§1-1-6§49-4-701

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Juvenile cases from bases in state court

Beginning June 12, 2026, West Virginia circuit courts can handle some juvenile cases that happen on military-owned land. Two rules must be met: the federal district court waives exclusive jurisdiction, and the act is a juvenile delinquency or status offense under state law. This lets youth on bases use the state juvenile process when those conditions apply.

Shared jurisdiction on West Virginia military bases

Beginning June 12, 2026, West Virginia shares legal authority with the United States on land used for military purposes. This covers land used by the Armed Forces or the West Virginia National Guard. To set it up, a base commander or other U.S. official sends a written request that states the subject, says if juvenile and status offenses are included, gives a metes and bounds boundary, and notes any future expansions. The Governor sends a written acceptance, files both with the Secretary of State, and sends a certified copy back. After that, state or local agencies can sign agreements with federal agencies to split duties on that land.

State process allowed on U.S. land

Beginning June 12, 2026, the state can serve warrants, subpoenas, and other juvenile, civil, or criminal papers on U.S.-owned land in West Virginia. This applies only where federal jurisdiction does not block state action. It helps local police and courts handle cases on those parcels.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Doug Smith

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • Rick Hillenbrand

    Republican • House

  • Bill Ridenour

    Republican • House

  • Charles Sheedy

    Republican • House

  • Gregory A. Watt

    Republican • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 259 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 684)

Yes: 33 • No: 0

House vote • 3/14/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 593)

Yes: 97 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 458)

Yes: 34 • No: 0

House vote • 1/28/2026

Passed House (Roll No. 26)

Yes: 95 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Chapter 227, Acts, Regular Session, 2026

    6/29/2026House

  2. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026

    3/30/2026House

  3. To Governor 3/25/2026

    3/25/2026House

  4. House received Senate message

    3/14/2026House

  5. House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 593)

    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. 684)

    3/14/2026Senate

  9. Communicated to House

    3/14/2026Senate

  10. Completed legislative action

    3/14/2026Senate

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

    3/14/2026Senate

  12. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - House Journal

    3/14/2026House

  13. Approved by Governor 3/27/2026 - Senate Journal

    3/14/2026Senate

  14. On 3rd reading

    3/11/2026Senate

  15. Read 3rd time

    3/11/2026Senate

  16. Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 458)

    3/11/2026Senate

  17. Senate requests House to concur

    3/11/2026Senate

  18. On 2nd reading

    3/10/2026Senate

  19. Read 2nd time

    3/10/2026Senate

  20. Committee amendment adopted (Voice vote)

    3/10/2026Senate

  21. Reported do pass, as amended by Military

    3/9/2026Senate

  22. Immediate consideration

    3/9/2026Senate

  23. Read 1st time

    3/9/2026Senate

  24. Reported do pass with amend and title amend but first to Judiciary

    3/6/2026Senate

  25. To Judiciary

    3/6/2026Senate

Bill Text

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