HB5176 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police.

What is the status of HB5176?

Passed one chamber as of February 18, 2026. Latest action: To Judiciary (February 19, 2026).

Who sponsored HB5176?

Akers, James Robert JB (R, 055), with 10 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB5176?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5176&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB5176: Relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police.

Q: What does HB5176 do?

In its own words: To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §15-2F-1, relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police; specifying qualifying offenses for inclusion in the database; requiring certain information to be included in the animal abuse database; creating a fee for inclusion in the animal abuse database; providing for disposition of the fees in a special revenue account of the State Police; requiring reporting of certain convictions by prosecuting attorneys; providing procedures for removal from the animal abuse.

Status: Passed one chamber, February 18, 2026

What the bill says

To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §15-2F-1, relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police; specifying qualifying offenses for inclusion in the database; requiring certain information to be included in the animal abuse database; creating a fee for inclusion in the animal abuse database; providing for disposition of the fees in a special revenue account of the State Police; requiring reporting of certain convictions by prosecuting attorneys; providing procedures for removal from the animal abuse.

From the engrossed text, February 12, 2026:

A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new article, designated §15-2F-1, relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police; specifying qualifying offenses for inclusion in the database; requiring certain information to be included in the animal abuse database; creating a fee for inclusion in the animal abuse database; providing for disposition of the fees in a special revenue account of the State Police; requiring reporting of certain convictions by prosecuting attorneys; providing procedures for removal from the animal abuse database; and creating certain immunities. ARTICLE 2F. ANIMAL ABUSE DATABASE. §15-2F-1. Animal abuse database. (a) The State Police shall establish an animal abuse database which shall be posted on its website, in a searchable format prescribed by the superintendent, the names of those individuals who have been convicted of, or who have entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to, a violation of §19-20-24, §61-3E-6, §61-8-19, §61-8-19a, §61-8-19b, §61-8-19c, or §61-8-20 of this code. (b) The animal abuse database shall contain the following and (2) Identification of the criminal offense constituting animal abuse and the county in which the offense occurred. (c) Upon conviction in the criminal courts of this state of a misdemeanor or a felony offense enumerated in subsection (a) of this section, the individual …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB5176: Relating to creating the animal abuse database within the West Virginia State Police.

What the bill says

Sponsors

Latest actions

Votes

Common questions