CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The House Judiciary Committee met this morning to discuss and advance several bills related to foster care privacy, child abuse penalties, fire department funding, election procedures, and police service canines.
Bills in the Markup Stage:
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House Bill 2047 – Limits Camera Use in Foster Homes
- Prohibits cameras in bedrooms and bathrooms of foster homes, except for baby monitors for young children or those with disabilities.
- Hidden cameras are strictly banned under all circumstances.
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House Bill 2123 – Modifies Criminal Penalties for Child Abuse and Neglect
- Child abuse penalties:
- Injury: 5-10 years in prison
- Serious bodily injury: 5-15 years in prison
- Substantial risk of injury or death: 2-10 years in prison
- Repeat felony offenses: Prison time may be doubled
- Neglect penalties:
- Gross neglect, substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury: 1-10 years in prison
- Repeat felony offenses: Prison time may be doubled
- All offenses carry potential fines, imprisonment, or both.
- Child abuse penalties:
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House Bill 2170 – Expands Fire Protection Funding Use
- Allows volunteer fire departments to use fire protection funds to purchase technology necessary for operations.
Bills in the Committee Hearing Stage:
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House Bill 2400 – Restricts Unsolicited Absentee Ballot Applications
- Prohibits the delivery of absentee ballot applications to anyone who has not personally requested one from the county clerk.
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House Bill 2628 – Defines and Protects Police K-9 Officers
- Officially defines police service canines as part of law enforcement.
- Attacking a K-9 officer would be classified as a felony.
Both HB 2400 and HB 2628 advanced to the markup stage for further review.
