HB5198 is a bill in the West Virginia Legislature (2026 Regular Session): Relating to crimes against the intellectually disabled.

What is the status of HB5198?

Passed one chamber as of February 23, 2026. Latest action: To Judiciary (February 24, 2026).

Who sponsored HB5198?

Shamblin, Andy (R, 059), with 9 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB5198?

On the West Virginia Legislature website: https://www.wvlegislature.gov/bill_status/Bills_history.cfm?input=5198&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill

West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session

West Virginia HB5198: Relating to crimes against the intellectually disabled

Q: What does HB5198 do?

In its own words: To amend and reenact §61-6-21 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; clarify that persons with a disability are included as a protected class in the section; creating definitions; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 6. CRIMES AGAINST THE PEACE. §61-6-21. Prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; penalties. (a) All persons within the boundaries of the State of West Virginia have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence, committed against their persons or pr.

Status: Passed one chamber, February 23, 2026

What the bill says

To amend and reenact §61-6-21 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; clarify that persons with a disability are included as a protected class in the section; creating definitions; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 6. CRIMES AGAINST THE PEACE. §61-6-21. Prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; penalties. (a) All persons within the boundaries of the State of West Virginia have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence, committed against their persons or pr.

From the engrossed text, February 17, 2026:

A BILL to amend and reenact §61-6-21 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; clarify that persons with a disability are included as a protected class in the section; creating definitions; and creating criminal penalties. ARTICLE 6. CRIMES AGAINST THE PEACE. §61-6-21. Prohibiting violations of an individual's civil rights; penalties. (a) All persons within the boundaries of the State of West Virginia have the right to be free from any violence, or intimidation by threat of violence, committed against their persons or property because of their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or sex, or disability. (b) If any person does by force or threat of force, willfully injure, intimidate or interfere with, or attempt to injure, intimidate or interfere with, or oppress or threaten any other person in the free exercise or enjoyment of any right or privilege secured to him or her by the Constitution or laws of the State of West Virginia or by the Constitution or laws of the United States, because of such other person's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or sex, or disability, he or she shall be guilty of a felony, and, upon conviction, shall be fined not more than $5,000 or imprisoned not more than ten …

Read the full official text

West Virginia HB5198: Relating to crimes against the intellectually disabled

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