The bill amends West Virginia's criminal code to increase penalties for assault or battery against governmental representatives, health care providers, utility workers, law enforcement officers, correctional employees, emergency medical service personnel, and animals used for law enforcement. It introduces a new section, 61-5-30, which establishes criminal penalties for causing death or injury to public safety animals, defines relevant terms, and outlines the right to self-defense. The bill also includes an exception for euthanizing public safety animals as part of official duties and mandates restitution for injuries or deaths of these animals.

Additionally, the bill repeals the previous statute 19-20-24, which addressed causing injury or death to police dogs and other public safety animals. The new provisions specify penalties for willfully causing physical injury, serious physical injury, or death to public safety animals, with fines and imprisonment terms varying based on the severity of the offense. The penalties range from misdemeanors for minor injuries to felonies for serious injuries or death, reflecting a significant enhancement in the legal protections afforded to public safety animals and the personnel who work with them.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-11-18, 61-2-10c, 19-20-24
Committee Substitute: 61-2-10b, 61-5-30, 19-20-24
Enrolled Committee Substitute: 61-2-10b, 61-5-30, 19-20-24