HB4986 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to providing additional ground for abandonment finding in an adoption proceeding.

What is the status of HB4986?

Passed one chamber as of March 4, 2026. Latest action: To Judiciary (March 5, 2026).

Who sponsored HB4986?

Dittman, Lori (R, 063), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB4986?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4986&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB4986: Relating to providing additional ground for abandonment finding in an adoption proceeding

Q: What does HB4986 do?

In its own words: To amend and reenact §48-22-306 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to child welfare; amending the conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; specifying certain incarceration of a parent as conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; and providing factors for the court to consider in making determinations of abandonment. CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. ARTICLE 22. ADOPTION. §48-22-306. Conduct presumptively constituting abandonment. (a) Abandonment of a child over the age of six months shall be presumed when the birth and (2) Fails to.

Status: Passed one chamber, March 4, 2026

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §48-22-306 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to child welfare; amending the conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; specifying certain incarceration of a parent as conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; and providing factors for the court to consider in making determinations of abandonment. CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. ARTICLE 22. ADOPTION. §48-22-306. Conduct presumptively constituting abandonment. (a) Abandonment of a child over the age of six months shall be presumed when the birth and (2) Fails to.

From the engrossed text, February 25, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §48-22-306 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to child welfare; amending the conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; specifying certain incarceration of a parent as conduct presumptively constituting abandonment of a child; and providing factors for the court to consider in making determinations of abandonment. CHAPTER 48. DOMESTIC RELATIONS. ARTICLE 22. ADOPTION. §48-22-306. Conduct presumptively constituting abandonment. (a) Abandonment of a child over the age of six months shall be presumed when the birth and (2) Fails to visit or otherwise communicate with the child when he or she knows where the child resides, is physically and financially able to do so and is not prevented from doing so by the person or authorized agency having the care or custody of the child: Provided, That such failure to act continues uninterrupted for a period of six months immediately preceding the filing of the adoption petition. (b) Abandonment of a child under the age of six months shall be presumed when the birth (2) Fails to contribute within his means toward the expense of the prenatal and postnatal care of the mother and the postnatal care of the child; (3) Fails to financially support the child within the father's means; and (4) Fails to visit the child when he knows …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB4986: Relating to providing additional ground for abandonment finding in an adoption proceeding

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