CHARLESTON, W.V. (LOOTPRESS) – Monday afternoon, the House Judiciary Committee met and considered several bills. One was House Bill 2257, which extends supervision for certain drug offenders.
According to the bill’s literature, House Bill 2257 would establish a supervised release penalty of up to 10 years for certain drug offenders, including fentanyl. Additionally, the bill would set the terms and fees for supervised release and applies only to secondary or subsequent offense on manufacturing, possessions of distributing,
House Bill 2257 was first introduced during the 2022 legislative session. Its main sponsor is Delegate Brandon Steele (R-Raleigh 29). Other sponsors are Delegate Jonathan Pinson (R-Mason, 13) and Delegate Larry Pack (R-Kanawha, 35).
Those present during Monday’s meeting stated that opponents of the bill stressed the negative effect of extended supervision and voiced that, after serving time, it can be difficult for an individual to find a job oftentimes leading to homelessness. These people would not be able to afford additional fees associated with extended supervision.
Opponents also cited the struggles those who are trying to re-enter society would face with extended supervision.
The bill was amended so that a judge may terminate the supervised release and discharge the defendant at any time after six months of supervised release.
House Bill 2257 was advanced to the floor with these changes.
