The resolution establishes the West Virginia Justice Reinvestment Task Force in response to significant challenges within the state's criminal justice system, including staffing shortages, high mortality rates in regional jails, an aging prison population, and a high prevalence of behavioral health issues. The Task Force aims to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the adult justice system, focusing on various elements such as bail and pretrial services, sentencing policies, correctional programming, and support services for individuals involved in the justice system. The initiative is supported by the Council of State Governments Justice Center, which will provide technical assistance and data analysis throughout the process.
The Task Force will consist of 21 members, including key state officials, legislators, judges, and representatives from various sectors related to criminal justice and behavioral health. Members will not receive compensation for their service, and they will have access to necessary data to inform their work. The Task Force is required to report its initial findings and recommendations to the Governor by December 2025, with the possibility of providing additional reports as needed. This initiative seeks to improve public safety and health outcomes while addressing the fiscal pressures on state agencies and local governments.