This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia by introducing new provisions to address the financial exploitation of individuals in recovery from substance addiction. It establishes a new article, 55-7L, which defines "person in recovery" and "financial exploitation," allowing individuals who have been exploited to file civil complaints or petitions for protective orders. The bill outlines the process for obtaining temporary and permanent protective orders, the remedies available to victims, and the responsibilities of the courts in handling these cases. It also specifies that acting in a position of trust does not serve as a defense against claims of financial exploitation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 61-2-31, which establishes penalties for financial exploitation, categorizing offenses based on the amount exploited. Misdemeanor charges apply for amounts under $1,000, while felony charges apply for amounts of $1,000 or more. The bill also provides immunity from civil liability for individuals or entities that report suspected financial exploitation in good faith. Overall, the legislation seeks to enhance protections for vulnerable individuals in recovery and impose stricter penalties on those who exploit them financially.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 55-7L-1, 55-7L-2, 55-7L-3, 55-7L-4, 55-7L-5, 55-7L-6, 61-2-31