The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to enhance legal definitions and establish new criminal offenses related to vehicular conduct. Key provisions include the addition of an embryo as a protected person, the creation of new crimes such as vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide, and the introduction of penalties and fines for these offenses. It mandates that any conviction under the new section 17C-5-1 will result in the revocation of a person's driver's license and disqualification from obtaining a commercial driver's license. The bill also updates definitions related to criminally injurious conduct and victim compensation, while enhancing penalties for reckless driving and classifying causing death through electronically distracted driving as vehicular homicide.

Additionally, the bill introduces the Electronically Distracted Driving Act, which prohibits the use of wireless telecommunications devices while driving, with exceptions for hands-free use, and establishes penalties for violations. It outlines the procedures for the arrest of individuals for specific offenses, including vehicular homicide, and revises disqualification criteria for operating commercial motor vehicles based on traffic violations. The bill also addresses automobile liability insurance policies, stipulating conditions for cancellation and nonrenewal, and emphasizes consumer protections in the insurance market. Overall, the legislation aims to strengthen road safety, enhance accountability for vehicular crimes, and ensure fair practices in the insurance industry.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 17C-5-1, 61-2-30
Committee Substitute: 14-2A-3, 17B-1A-1, 17C-5-1, 17B-3-5, 17C-5-3, 17C-14-15, 17E-1-13, 20-7-18a, 33-6A-1, 49-1-207, 61-2-30
Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 14-2A-3, 17B-1A-1, 17C-5-1, 17B-3-5, 17C-5-3, 17C-14-15, 17E-1-13, 20-7-18a, 33-6A-1, 49-1-207, 61-2-30
Engrossed Committee Substitute for the Committee Substitute: 14-2A-3, 17B-1A-1, 17C-5-1, 17B-3-5, 17C-5-3, 17C-14-15, 17E-1-13, 20-7-18a, 33-6A-1, 49-1-207, 61-2-30
Enrolled Version: 14-2A-3, 17B-1A-1, 17C-5-1, 17B-3-5, 17C-5-3, 17C-14-15, 17E-1-13, 20-7-18a, 33-6A-1, 49-1-207, 61-2-30