HB4603 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to the creation of the process of obtaining and adjudicating a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition.

What is the status of HB4603?

Passed both chambers as of March 13, 2026. Latest action: Senate requests House to concur (March 13, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4603?

Burkhammer, Adam (R, 064), with 8 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4603?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4603&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4603: Relating to the creation of the process of obtaining and adjudicating a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition

Q: What does HB4603 do?

In its own words: To amend and reenact §29-21-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to expanding the definition of "eligible proceeding" to include pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion proceedings; appointment of a guardian for a minor in a circuit court pursuant to a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion; to amend and reenact §44-10-3 of said code relating to the creation of a process to appoint a guardian in child abuse and neglect cases where a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion has been granted; clarifying that two years after an order appointing a guardian has been entere.

Status: Passed both chambers, March 13, 2026

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §29-21-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to expanding the definition of "eligible proceeding" to include pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion proceedings; appointment of a guardian for a minor in a circuit court pursuant to a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion; to amend and reenact §44-10-3 of said code relating to the creation of a process to appoint a guardian in child abuse and neglect cases where a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion has been granted; clarifying that two years after an order appointing a guardian has been entere.

From the engrossed text, February 18, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §29-21-2 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to expanding the definition of "eligible proceeding" to include pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion proceedings; appointment of a guardian for a minor in a circuit court pursuant to a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion; to amend and reenact §44-10-3 of said code relating to the creation of a process to appoint a guardian in child abuse and neglect cases where a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion has been granted; clarifying that two years after an order appointing a guardian has been entered in a guardianship proceeding that was filed pursuant to §49-4-607a a petition for adoption may be filed in the circuit court exercising jurisdiction over the original abuse and neglect proceeding providing certain requirements are satisfied; to amend and reenact §44-10-5 of said code exempting legal guardianships instituted pursuant to the granting of a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion from bonding requirements; to amend and reenact §49-4-601b of said code relating to the expungement process where child abuse and neglect substantiations have occurred by the department in cases where a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion has been granted; to amend and reenact §49-4-607a of said code relating to the creation of the process of obtaining and adjudicating a pre-adjudicatory alternative diversion. CHAPTER 29. MISCELLANEOUS BOARDS AND OFFICERS. ARTICLE 21. PUBLIC DEFENDER SERVICES. …

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West Virginia HB4603: Relating to the creation of the process of obtaining and adjudicating a pre-adjudicatory alternative disposition

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