West Virginia legislation · 2025 Regular Session
West Virginia HB3167: To require hair follicle drug testing of parents or guardians in cases of substantiated child abuse or neglect of a minor
Status: Passed one chamber, March 31, 2025
The purpose of this bill is to enhance and improve child well-being by requiring a hair follicle drug test of a substantiated child abuser before restoring visitation rights.
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by inserting a new section thereto, designated §49-4-611, , relating to permitting a circuit court to order 12-panel hair follicle drug testing after the filing of a petition alleging child abuse and neglect, also relating to permitting a circuit court to order a pediatric neurological evaluation of certain children under two months of age if a respondent parent in a child abuse and neglect case tests positive for usage of a controlled substance after submitting to a 12-panel hair follicle drug test, also relating to establishing tha.
From the engrossed text, March 26, 2025:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by inserting a new section thereto, designated §49-4-611, , relating to permitting a circuit court to order 12-panel hair follicle drug testing after the filing of a petition alleging child abuse and neglect, also relating to permitting a circuit court to order a pediatric neurological evaluation of certain children under two months of age if a respondent parent in a child abuse and neglect case tests positive for usage of a controlled substance after submitting to a 12-panel hair follicle drug test, also relating to establishing that attempting to alter hair to evade detection of drug usage as demonstrated by a result from a 12-panel hair follicle drug test shall be considered a positive test, also relating to establishing that noncompliance with a circuit court order that directs a respondent to submit to a 12-panel hair follicle drug test will be considered a positive test result, and establishing that the results of a 12-panel hair follicle drug test can be reported to a multidisciplinary treatment team subject to limitations by a circuit court. Chapter 49. Child Welfare. Article 12. COURT ACTIONS. §49-4-611. Court order of a 12-panel hair follicle drug test. (a) At any point after a petition has been filed, pursuant to §49-4-601 of this code, a …