The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to introduce new definitions and criminal offenses related to vehicular conduct, including vehicular homicide and aggravated vehicular homicide, while establishing penalties and fines for these offenses. It designates an embryo as a protected person under the law and mandates the revocation of a driver's license for convictions under the newly created section 17C-5-1. The bill also enhances penalties for reckless driving and updates the electronically distracted driving act, classifying causing death due to such violations as vehicular homicide. Additionally, it revises definitions related to victim compensation, clarifying terms like "criminally injurious conduct" and specifying economic loss.

Furthermore, the bill establishes the "Electronically Distracted Driving Act," which prohibits the use of wireless devices while driving, with exceptions for hands-free use, and outlines penalties for violations. It also introduces the Robin W. Ames Memorial Act, which requires individuals arrested for serious offenses to be promptly taken before a magistrate or court. The bill details disqualification periods for commercial motor vehicle drivers based on various offenses and outlines penalties for homicide by operation of motorized watercraft. It also revises laws regarding the cancellation and nonrenewal of automobile liability insurance policies, ensuring clear communication from insurers. The legislation is set to take effect 90 days after passage and awaits the Governor's approval.

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