This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 61-5-17b, to the Code of West Virginia, which establishes criminal offenses related to exposing certain public safety officials—such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical personnel—to opioids. The bill outlines two specific offenses: one for causing the death of these officials through opioid exposure, which is classified as a felony punishable by 15 years to life in prison, and another for causing bodily injury, which carries a penalty of 3 to 15 years in prison. The bill also requires proof of exposure, defined as contact through various means, and stipulates that a confirmed positive test for opioids must be administered by a medical professional following the incident.

Additionally, the bill provides definitions for key terms such as "bodily injury," "death," "exposure," and "opioid," ensuring clarity in the legal language. It emphasizes that these new offenses are supplementary to existing laws, thereby enhancing the legal framework surrounding the protection of public safety officials from the dangers posed by opioids. Overall, the legislation aims to address the growing concern of opioid exposure among first responders and establish significant penalties for those who endanger their lives through such actions.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-5-17b