The bill amends various sections of the Code of West Virginia to introduce new criminal offenses related to vehicular conduct, particularly focusing on the protection of embryos and the consequences of vehicular homicide. It establishes new crimes such as vehicular homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide, and homicide by operation of motorized watercraft, along with associated fines and penalties. A significant change includes the revocation of a person's driver's license upon conviction for these offenses, as outlined in the newly created section 17C-5-1. The bill also revises definitions related to criminally injurious conduct, ensuring that offenses committed outside the state against West Virginia residents are included, and updates compensation awards for victims, allowing dependents and secondary victims to claim compensation for economic losses and mental health counseling.

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 also amends laws regarding the immediate appearance of individuals arrested for certain offenses before a magistrate or court, and revises disqualification criteria for operating commercial motor vehicles, detailing specific disqualification durations for various traffic offenses. The bill emphasizes the importance of maintaining accurate records of disqualifications and prohibits temporary driving permits for individuals with revoked or suspended privileges. Furthermore, it outlines conditions for the cancellation and nonrenewal of automobile liability insurance policies, enhancing consumer protection through transparency and fairness in these processes. The bill is set to take effect 90 days after its passage.

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