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West VirginiaHB 44332026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking

Sponsored By: Bill Ridenour (Republican)

Signed by Governor

§61-14-1§61-14-2§61-14-3§61-14-4§61-14-5§61-14-6§61-14-7§61-14-8§61-14-10

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Age and ID rules for cases

Beginning June 4, 2026, an “adult” is anyone age 18 or older. An “identification document” includes passports, driver’s licenses, immigration or travel papers, and other government IDs, including foreign IDs. These definitions apply in trafficking and smuggling cases, including document‑taking offenses and age‑based protections.

Human smuggling rules and family exceptions

Beginning June 4, 2026, the law defines human smuggling as knowingly moving, hiding, or receiving an illegal alien to avoid law enforcement. It defines “illegal alien” as someone in the U.S. without authorization, including those who overstay or break admission terms. Family members can give voluntary rides without breaking this law. Lawful federal or other state workers, and certain shelter providers acting under federal rules, are also exempt if they are not trying to evade the law. Anyone transporting an illegal alien through the state may not place them here permanently.

What counts as trafficking and exploitation

Beginning June 4, 2026, the law defines human trafficking as recruiting, moving, or keeping a person for debt bondage, forced labor, or sexual servitude. It explains what counts as forced labor and debt bondage. It says commercial sexual activity means sex exchanged for anything of value. It defines coercion and excludes lawful police work and lawful, non‑exploitative parental restraint. These rules guide who can be charged and who is treated as a victim.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Ridenour

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

  • James Robert "JB" Akers II

    Republican • House

  • Jim Butler

    Republican • House

  • Rick Hillenbrand

    Republican • House

  • D. Rolland Jennings

    Republican • House

  • Laura Kimble

    Republican • House

  • Kump

    Affiliation unavailable

  • Phil Mallow

    Republican • House

  • Carl Martin

    Republican • House

  • Jordan Maynor

    Republican • House

  • Ward

    Affiliation unavailable

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 152 • No: 41

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

Senate concurred in House amendments and passed bill (Roll No. 364)

Yes: 32 • No: 2

House vote • 2/27/2026

House concurred in Senate amendment with amendment (Roll No. 215)

Yes: 87 • No: 8

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Passed Senate with amended title (Roll No. 109)

Yes: 30 • No: 2

Senate vote • 2/17/2026

Garcia amends to com. amendment rejected (Roll No. 108)

Yes: 3 • No: 29

Bill Text

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