HB 2535
Creating additional sentences for convicted inmates who test positive for illegal substances or who are found to be in possession of illegal or controlled substances
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill would create a new offense for incarcerated individuals found to be in possession of illegal drugs or testing positive for drug use. It proposes adding six months to a sentence for a first offense and one year for subsequent offenses, with penalties increasing for multiple instances. The bill also mandates drug testing to begin after three months of incarceration and continues testing as resources allow or upon suspicion.
Key provisions
- Creates a new offense for possessing drugs or testing positive while incarcerated.
- Adds six months to a sentence for a first offense of drug possession or a positive test.
- Adds one year to a sentence for a second or subsequent offense.
- Increases sentence length for multiple instances of possession or positive tests.
- Requires drug testing to begin after three months of incarceration.
- Testing will continue based on resource availability or suspicion.
Who is affected
- Incarcerated individuals
- Correctional staff
- The West Virginia Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation
Notable changes
- Establishes specific penalties for drug possession and positive tests while incarcerated.
- Mandates regular drug testing for inmates.
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