This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require natural resources police officers to obtain either the consent of the landowner or a warrant before entering private property while performing their official duties. The bill introduces new language that specifies that officers may enter private lands or waters only if they have a warrant or explicit or implied permission from the landowner or lessee. Additionally, it provides an exception allowing officers to enter private property without permission if there is probable cause of an emergency situation, accident, or imminent threat to public safety that necessitates immediate intervention.

The bill aims to enhance the protection of private property rights while still allowing natural resources officers to fulfill their responsibilities effectively. By establishing these requirements, the legislation seeks to balance the enforcement of natural resource laws with the rights of landowners, ensuring that officers act within legal boundaries when accessing private lands.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-7-4