The bill amends sections 61-8D-3 and 61-8D-4 of the Code of West Virginia, focusing on the criminal penalties for parents, guardians, custodians, or individuals in a position of trust who commit child abuse or neglect resulting in bodily injury or serious bodily injury. Key changes include increasing the penalties for various offenses, such as raising the maximum imprisonment for child abuse resulting in bodily injury from five to ten years, and for serious bodily injury from ten to fifteen years. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that allows for increased penalties for individuals with prior convictions under these sections or similar laws from other jurisdictions.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions and modifies the language regarding the consequences of misdemeanor offenses, allowing for the possibility of requiring offenders to complete parenting classes or counseling. It also stipulates that individuals convicted of a second or subsequent felony offense may face doubled penalties. The bill maintains that reasonable discipline by a parent or guardian is not precluded by these provisions, ensuring that the law does not interfere with appropriate parental rights.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8D-3, 61-8D-4
Committee Substitute: 61-8D-3, 61-8D-4
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 61-8D-3, 61-8D-4