SB 722
Requiring warrant for DNR officials or officers to enter onto any private property
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- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill requires West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers and other authorized personnel to obtain consent from a landowner or a warrant before entering private property. However, the bill includes exceptions for emergency situations and immediate threats to public safety. It also clarifies DNR officers’ authority to conduct arrests and searches on state-owned lands and certain national lands within the state.
Key provisions
- DNR officers must obtain landowner consent or a warrant before entering private property.
- Exceptions are provided for responding to emergencies, accidents, or imminent threats to public safety.
- The bill clarifies DNR officers’ authority to conduct arrests on state-owned lands and certain national lands.
- DNR officers can carry arms and weapons as prescribed by the director.
- Officers can conduct searches of boats, vehicles, and other locations where wildlife paraphernalia or natural resources might be concealed.
- Officers can require drivers to stop for game-kill surveys.
- Officers can summon aid for arrests and seizures.
- Officers can arrest individuals for cutting, damaging, or carrying away timber or other natural resources without permission.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) officers
- Landowners in West Virginia
- Natural resource industries
- Private property owners
- Citizens of West Virginia
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