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 specific offenses, including causing death or bodily injury to these officials through opioid exposure, and sets forth corresponding felony penalties. A conviction for causing death would result in imprisonment for 15 years to life, while causing bodily injury would lead to a prison term of 3 to 15 years.

The bill also provides definitions for key terms such as "bodily injury," "death," "exposure," and "opioid," clarifying the scope of the offenses. It emphasizes that proof of exposure must be based on a confirmed positive test for opioids administered by a medical professional following the incident. Additionally, the offenses created by this bill are intended to supplement existing laws, ensuring that individuals who endanger public safety officials through opioid exposure face significant legal consequences.

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