The bill amends West Virginia Code §15-10-5 to expand the list of full-time federal law enforcement officers authorized to carry firearms while performing their duties. The new additions include special agents and law enforcement officers from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, Diplomatic Security Service, Coast Guard, Customs and Border Protection, Department of Defense, Federal Protective Service, Federal Bureau of Prisons, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. This amendment allows these officers to have the same authority to enforce state laws, excluding state or local traffic laws, under specific circumstances, such as being requested for assistance by state or local law enforcement or witnessing a felony.

Additionally, the bill enhances the powers of law enforcement officers from the National Park Service and the United States Forest Service, granting them the authority to arrest, conduct searches, and enforce state laws on lands they manage. These officers can also undertake independent investigations related to activities occurring on federal lands. The bill clarifies that while these federal officers have similar authority to state and local law enforcement, they are not considered employees of state or local agencies and are subject to the same legal immunities as state officers.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-10-5
Committee Substitute: 15-10-5
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 15-10-5