This bill proposes the addition of a new section, 15A-4-13b, to the Code of West Virginia, which addresses the reimbursement of costs associated with incarceration. It allows for the assessment of costs for up to 30 days of incarceration, including pre-conviction periods, for individuals convicted of criminal offenses. Before imposing these costs, a hearing must be held to determine the defendant's ability to pay, ensuring that no individual is required to pay unless they are capable of doing so. The court will consider the defendant's financial resources and the burden that payment would impose.

Additionally, the bill provides defendants the option to petition the court for remission of their payment obligations if they are not willfully defaulting on payments. If the court finds that payment would cause significant hardship, it may excuse or modify the payment requirements. Furthermore, the bill mandates that any money seized as evidence must be forfeited to cover the costs of the regional jail, irrespective of the defendant's financial status.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15A-4-13b