This bill aims to amend existing laws in West Virginia regarding child sexual assault and abuse, significantly increasing the penalties for such offenses. Key changes include raising the minimum prison sentence for third-degree sexual assault from one year to two years, and for sexual abuse from a misdemeanor to a felony, with a minimum sentence of one year. Additionally, the bill increases the maximum penalties for these offenses, with fines for sexual assault rising from $10,000 to $20,000 and for sexual abuse from $500 to $1,000. The bill also introduces a new provision that makes it a felony for any individual in a position of trust who fails to report known instances of child sexual assault or abuse, with penalties of two to ten years in prison.

Furthermore, the bill expands the scope of individuals subject to penalties for distributing or possessing child pornography by including "persons in a position of trust." It also increases the maximum prison sentence for such offenses from two years to four years and raises the fines from $400 to $800. Overall, the legislation seeks to strengthen protections for children against sexual exploitation and abuse while holding offenders accountable with harsher penalties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-8B-5, 61-8B-9, 61-8D-5, 61-8D-6