HB4345 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence.

What is the status of HB4345?

Signed into law as of March 25, 2026. Latest action: Chapter 92, Acts, Regular Session, 2026 (June 29, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4345?

Hornby, Michael (R, 093), with 3 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4345?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4345&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4345: Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence

Q: What does HB4345 do?

In its own words: An act to amend and reenact §15-3D-3 and §15A-12-9 of the Code of West Virginia 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §15-3D-10, relating to preserving records and evidence in missing persons complaints that are unresolved after one year; creating definitions; mandating the creation of certain databases; requiring record and evidence retention; and requiring certain records be transmitted to the Fusion Center. CHAPTER 15. PUBLIC SAFETY. article 3d. west virginia's missing person's act. §15-3D-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this article: (1) "CODIS" me.

Status: Signed into law, March 25, 2026

What the bill says

An act to amend and reenact §15-3D-3 and §15A-12-9 of the Code of West Virginia 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §15-3D-10, relating to preserving records and evidence in missing persons complaints that are unresolved after one year; creating definitions; mandating the creation of certain databases; requiring record and evidence retention; and requiring certain records be transmitted to the Fusion Center. CHAPTER 15. PUBLIC SAFETY. article 3d. west virginia's missing person's act. §15-3D-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this article: (1) "CODIS" me.

From the enrolled text, March 14, 2026:

AN ACT to amend and reenact §15-3D-3 and §15A-12-9 of the Code of West Virginia 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §15-3D-10, relating to preserving records and evidence in missing persons complaints that are unresolved after one year; creating definitions; mandating the creation of certain databases; requiring record and evidence retention; and requiring certain records be transmitted to the Fusion Center. CHAPTER 15. PUBLIC SAFETY. article 3d. west virginia's missing person's act. §15-3D-3. Definitions. For the purposes of this article: (1) "CODIS" means the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Combined DNA Index System, which allows for the storage and exchange of DNA records submitted by federal, state, and local forensic DNA laboratories. The term "CODIS" includes the National DNA Index System or NDIS, administered and operated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (2) "Complainant" means a person who contacts law enforcement to report that a person is missing. (3) "Electronic communication device" means a cellular telephone, personal digital assistant, electronic device with mobile data access, laptop computer, pager, broadband personal communication device, two-way messaging device, electronic game, or portable computing device. (4) "Juvenile" means any person under 18 years of age. (5) "Law-enforcement agency" means any duly authorized state, county, or municipal organization employing one or more persons whose responsibility is the enforcement …

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West Virginia HB4345: Relating to the preservation of missing persons records and evidence

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