The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 61-3-60, which establishes a felony offense for the damage, destruction, or theft of property or equipment used by emergency responders. This includes any equipment or personal property owned or operated by state, county, or municipal entities, as well as volunteer fire departments and private contractors engaged in emergency response duties. The bill specifies that such actions must create a substantial risk of bodily injury, result in property loss to individuals served by emergency responders, or interrupt emergency services to the public. Penalties for this felony include fines of up to $5,000 and imprisonment for one to three years.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that the newly established offense is separate and distinct from other offenses in the code. It provides definitions for "emergency responder" and "emergency response duties," expanding the scope to include various entities involved in emergency services. The law will take effect 90 days after its passage, which is set for July 11, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Committee Substitute: 61-3-60
Introduced Version: 61-3-60
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 61-3-60
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 61-3-60