This bill amends the powers and duties of Natural Resources police officers in West Virginia, specifically addressing their authority to enter private property. It mandates that officers must obtain either the consent of the landowner or a warrant before entering private lands or waters while performing their official duties. However, the bill provides an exception that allows officers to enter private property without permission if there is probable cause of an emergency situation, accident, or imminent threat to public safety that requires immediate intervention.

Additionally, the bill updates certain legal references and clarifies the authority of Natural Resources police officers regarding arrests and enforcement actions on state-owned lands and waters, as well as national forest lands and properties managed by the U.S. Corps of Army Engineers. The changes aim to enhance the protection of private property rights while ensuring that officers can still respond effectively to emergencies and enforce natural resource laws.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-7-4