West Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
West Virginia HB5496: Providing for the offense of child torture.
Status: Introduced, February 13, 2026
What the bill says
To amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section designated §61-8D-11, relating to the new criminal offense of child torture. article 8d. child abuse. §61-8D-11. Child Torture; criminal penalties. (a) Any person who is at least 16 years of age who tortures a child, and such torture causes bodily injury to the child, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than 10 years nor more than 25 years, and shall not be eligible for parole prior to having actually served 10 years. (b) Any per.
From the introduced text, February 13, 2026:
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding a new section designated §61-8D-11, relating to the new criminal offense of child torture. article 8d. child abuse. §61-8D-11. Child Torture; criminal penalties. (a) Any person who is at least 16 years of age who tortures a child, and such torture causes bodily injury to the child, is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than 10 years nor more than 25 years, and shall not be eligible for parole prior to having actually served 10 years. (b) Any person who is at least 16 years of age who tortures a child, and such torture does not cause bodily injury to the child is guilty of a felony and, upon conviction thereof, shall be imprisoned in a state correctional facility for not less than 10 years nor more than 20 years, and shall not be eligible for parole prior to having actually served eight years. (c) For purposes of this section, "torture" means a course of conduct against a child that includes at least one of the following acts or substantially similar acts: (1) Breaking, severing, or severely impairing a limb. (2) Inflicting severe and prolonged pain from striking, burning, or cutting. (3) Causing …
Sponsors
- Mazzocchi, Margitta (R, 031) · primary sponsor