This bill aims to amend West Virginia Code 15-10-5 to expand the categories of federal law-enforcement officers who are granted peace-keeping authority within the state. The proposed changes include the addition of several new categories of federal officers eligible for this authority, specifically: Diplomatic Security Service special agents, Coast Guard special agents, Customs and Border Protection law-enforcement agents and officers, Department of Defense special agents, Federal Protective Service officers, Federal Bureau of Prisons officers, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents and law-enforcement. The bill retains the existing provisions that allow federal law-enforcement officers to enforce state laws under certain circumstances, such as when requested by state or local law enforcement or when witnessing a felony.

Additionally, the bill removes the reference to Federal Air Marshals as a standalone category, indicating a shift in focus towards a broader range of federal law-enforcement personnel. The overall intent of the legislation is to enhance cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agencies by recognizing a wider array of federal officers who can assist in law enforcement activities within West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-10-5