HB 5493
Provide a penalty of chemical castration or surgical castration for sex abuse crimes against minors.
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- Passed House of Delegates
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill proposes a new sentencing option for individuals convicted of certain sex offenses against minors in West Virginia. It allows courts to order treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), a medication that suppresses testosterone, or, with the defendant’s consent, physical castration as an alternative penalty. The bill also mandates a prerelease risk assessment and establishes penalties for refusing treatment.
Key provisions
- Allows courts to order treatment with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) for specific sex offenses.
- Authorizes physical castration as an alternative penalty with the defendant’s written consent.
- Requires a prerelease risk assessment by the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
- Establishes a felony offense for refusing to comply with MPA treatment.
- Specifies procedures for administering MPA, including medical examinations and monitoring.
- Requires a medical expert to determine suitability for MPA treatment.
- Sets a timeframe for commencing MPA treatment prior to release from incarceration.
- Mandates the Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation to provide services for MPA administration.
Who is affected
- Individuals convicted of sex offenses against minors
- The Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation
- Judges and courts
- Medical professionals
- West Virginia residents convicted of specified offenses
Notable changes
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