This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to establish the felony offense of reckless and wanton vehicular homicide. It replaces the existing language regarding negligent homicide with provisions that define the new offense, specifying that a person is guilty of reckless and wanton vehicular homicide if their actions result in the death of another person due to reckless disregard for safety. The penalties for this felony include imprisonment for a term of not less than one year and not more than five years, along with fines ranging from $2,000 to $5,000.

Additionally, the bill introduces a misdemeanor offense for negligent vehicular homicide, which applies when a death results from driving in a negligent manner rather than reckless disregard. The penalties for this misdemeanor include fines between $500 and $1,000, confinement in jail for up to six months, or both. The bill also mandates the revocation of driving privileges for individuals convicted of either reckless and wanton vehicular homicide or negligent vehicular homicide.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-5-1