The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to establish new offenses and penalties for individuals who flee from law enforcement, particularly focusing on second and third or subsequent offenses. It introduces criminal penalties for these offenses and extends the timeframe for considering prior convictions during sentencing. Notably, fleeing in a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs will be treated as a driving under the influence (DUI) offense, impacting both criminal enhancement and licensure. The legislation also specifies that convictions for fleeing while impaired will qualify for recidivist sentencing enhancements, leading to harsher penalties, including lifetime revocation of driving licenses for certain offenses.

Additionally, the bill mandates that individuals with revoked or suspended licenses must complete a safety and treatment program before reinstatement and clarifies that alternative sentences during a conditional revocation period require the driver's consent. It establishes a tiered penalty system for obstructing law enforcement, with increased penalties for repeat offenders, and includes provisions to prevent interference with emergency communications. The bill also aims to streamline legal processes and improve compliance by inserting new regulatory measures and deleting outdated language, enhancing clarity and governance. These changes are set to take effect 90 days after passage, reflecting a commitment to modernizing the legal framework.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-5-17
Committee Substitute: 61-5-17, 61-11-18
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 17C-5-2, 61-5-17, 61-11-18