The bill amends West Virginia's Code to enhance the legal framework surrounding extortion, specifically focusing on sexual extortion and aggravated sexual extortion. It introduces a new section, 61-8B-6, which defines key terms such as "private image," "sexual extortion," and "aggravated sexual extortion." The legislation establishes that sexual extortion occurs when an individual threatens to disclose a private image to compel a victim to act against their will, with penalties ranging from one to twenty years in prison depending on the number of offenses. Additionally, it provides specific provisions for minors adjudicated for sexual extortion offenses, allowing circuit courts to impose behavioral health counseling as a condition of community supervision.

Furthermore, the bill increases penalties for extortion and attempted extortion by threats, clarifying that threats can include any other thing of value. It also allows for jurisdiction in cases of sexual extortion to be established in multiple counties, ensuring that victims have access to legal recourse regardless of where the offense occurred. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen protections against extortion and provide clearer definitions and consequences for offenders.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8B-6
Committee Substitute: 61-2-13, 61-8B-6
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 61-2-13, 61-8B-6