HB4433 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking.

What is the status of HB4433?

Signed into law as of March 14, 2026. Latest action: Chapter 191, Acts, Regular Session, 2026 (June 29, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4433?

Ridenour, Bill (R, 100), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4433?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4433&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking

Q: What does HB4433 do?

In its own words: An ACT to amend and reenact §61-14-1, §61-14-2, §61-14-3, §61-14-4, §61-14-5, §61-14-6, §61-14-7, and §61-14-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §61-14-10, relating to human trafficking and human smuggling; creating crimes relating to human smuggling of an adult and human smuggling of a minor; creating criminal penalties; amending definitions; creating definitions; authorizing civil asset forfeiture in certain circumstances; increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses; removal of fines for certain offenses; amending.

Status: Signed into law, March 14, 2026

What the bill says

An ACT to amend and reenact §61-14-1, §61-14-2, §61-14-3, §61-14-4, §61-14-5, §61-14-6, §61-14-7, and §61-14-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §61-14-10, relating to human trafficking and human smuggling; creating crimes relating to human smuggling of an adult and human smuggling of a minor; creating criminal penalties; amending definitions; creating definitions; authorizing civil asset forfeiture in certain circumstances; increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses; removal of fines for certain offenses; amending.

From the enrolled text, March 6, 2026:

An ACT to amend and reenact §61-14-1, §61-14-2, §61-14-3, §61-14-4, §61-14-5, §61-14-6, §61-14-7, and §61-14-8 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended; and to amend the code by adding a new section, designated §61-14-10, relating to human trafficking and human smuggling; creating crimes relating to human smuggling of an adult and human smuggling of a minor; creating criminal penalties; amending definitions; creating definitions; authorizing civil asset forfeiture in certain circumstances; increasing criminal penalties for certain offenses; removal of fines for certain offenses; amending provisions relating to restitution; providing for circumstances where an offender may not be eligible for parole; expanding what constitutes aggravating circumstances; and creating an exemption for medical, mental health, and legal services being provided for an illegal alien. ARTICLE 14. human trafficking AND HUMAN SMUGGLING. §61-14-1. Definitions. When used in this article, the following words and terms shall have the meaning specified unless the context clearly indicates a different meaning: (1) "Adult" means an individual 18 years of age or older. (2) "Coercion" (B) The use of a plan, pattern, or statement with intent to cause an individual to believe that failure to perform an act will result in the use of force against, abduction of, serious harm to, physical restraint of, or deportation of an individual; (C) The abuse or threatened abuse of law …

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West Virginia HB4433: Prohibiting Human Smuggling and Trafficking

What the bill says

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