West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5400: Relating generally to punishment for child neglect resulting in death.
Status: Introduced, February 10, 2026
What the bill says
To amend and reenact §61-8D-4a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust in relation to a child for child neglect resulting in death. ARTICLE 8D. CHILD ABUSE. §61-8D-4a. Child neglect resulting in death; criminal penalties. (a) If any parent, guardian or custodian, or person in a position of trust in relation to a child shall neglect a child under his or her care, custody or control and by such neglect cause the death of said child, then such parent, guardian or.
From the introduced text, February 10, 2026:
A BILL to amend and reenact §61-8D-4a of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, relating to modifying the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust in relation to a child for child neglect resulting in death. ARTICLE 8D. CHILD ABUSE. §61-8D-4a. Child neglect resulting in death; criminal penalties. (a) If any parent, guardian or custodian, or person in a position of trust in relation to a child shall neglect a child under his or her care, custody or control and by such neglect cause the death of said child, then such parent, guardian or custodian, or person in a position of trust in relation to a child shall be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be fined not less than $1,000 nor more than $5,000 or committed to the custody of the Division of Corrections for not less than three nor more than 15 years, or both fined and imprisoned shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years. (b) No child who in lieu of medical treatment was under treatment solely by spiritual means through prayer in accordance with a recognized method of religious healing with a reasonable proven record of success shall, for that reason …
Sponsors
- Masters, Ian T. (R, 091) · primary sponsor