The bill amends the Code of West Virginia by adding a new section, 61-11-27, which provides a comprehensive definition of "law-enforcement officer." This definition aligns with existing definitions in the law and expands it to include chief executives, law-enforcement officials, pre-certified law-enforcement officers, and any individuals authorized to enforce the state's criminal laws. The bill clarifies that these roles are recognized as part of the law-enforcement community, thereby ensuring that all relevant personnel are included under this designation.

The new section will apply to specific provisions within the code, namely 61-2-10b, 61-5-17, and 61-5-17a, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding law enforcement in West Virginia. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after its passage, which is scheduled for July 6, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-11-27
Engrossed Version: 61-11-27
Enrolled Version: 61-11-27