CHARLESTON, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A new bill introduced in the West Virginia Senate would significantly increase penalties for making violent threats using phones, computers, or other electronic devices.
Senate Bill 473, introduced during the 2026 Regular Legislative Session, would create felony charges for individuals who use electronic communication to threaten crimes of violence and cause public panic or disruption.
Under the proposal, a person who makes a violent threat through text messages, social media, email, or other electronic means—and whose actions lead to the evacuation of a building, public alarm, or major disruption—could face two to ten years in a state correctional facility.
The bill expands existing law, which currently treats most threatening or harassing electronic communications as misdemeanors. While first and repeat offenses would remain misdemeanors in many cases, threats involving violence that cause serious public alarm would rise to felony status.
Prosecutors would not be required to prove that the accused had the ability to carry out the threat. Instead, the state would need to show that the person knew or should have known the message would be perceived as a threat, and that a reasonable person would view it as such.
The legislation also includes strict victim-protection provisions. Anyone charged or convicted under the law and released on bail, probation, parole, or other forms of supervision would be barred from living, working, or being present within 3,000 feet of a victim’s property.
Supporters say the bill is aimed at addressing the rise in online threats that disrupt schools, public buildings, transportation systems, and communities, while giving law enforcement stronger tools to respond before violence occurs.
Senate Bill 473 has been referred to the Senate Judiciary Committee for further consideration
