This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish concurrent juvenile jurisdiction on military installations, allowing for the transfer of exclusive federal legislative jurisdiction back to the state concerning juveniles. Specifically, it introduces a new section, 1-1-6, which grants West Virginia the authority to consent to concurrent jurisdiction with the United States over military lands. The Governor is empowered to accept requests for concurrent jurisdiction from military installations, which must include specific details such as the subject matter of the request and a description of the land involved. Additionally, local agencies are authorized to enter into agreements with federal agencies to coordinate responsibilities related to this concurrent jurisdiction.

The bill also modifies existing provisions regarding juvenile jurisdiction in circuit, magistrate, and municipal courts. It clarifies that the jurisdiction of the court is concurrent with that of a federal court for violations of federal law committed by a child on military installations, provided the federal court waives exclusive jurisdiction and the violation is also a crime under state law. Furthermore, it updates the language to ensure that juveniles are afforded meaningful opportunities to be heard in court, and it specifies the conditions under which extrajudicial statements made by juveniles can be admissible in court.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 1-1-4, 49-4-701, 1-1-6
Committee Substitute: 1-1-4, 49-4-701, 1-1-6
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 1-1-4, 49-4-701, 1-1-6