This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to require the state police to cover the costs associated with the incarceration of inmates they arrest until those inmates are either convicted or released. Specifically, it introduces new language stating that when inmates are placed in a jail facility under the jurisdiction of the commissioner, the state police shall pay the jail bill for those inmates arrested by them. This change aims to clarify the financial responsibilities related to the incarceration of individuals arrested by state police.

Additionally, the bill makes several adjustments to existing provisions regarding the management and allocation of funds for jail operations. It modifies the language to allow for the use of funds for shared staff and operational expenses in facilities that serve dual purposes as both prisons and jails. The bill also emphasizes that counties are not responsible for the costs of housing felony convicted inmates, while maintaining that they are responsible for pretrial inmates and convicted misdemeanants. Overall, the bill seeks to streamline the financial obligations of various law enforcement entities and ensure that the state police bear the costs of their arrests.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-3-16