The bill amends West Virginia Code §61-6-21 to enhance protections against violations of civil rights by explicitly including individuals with disabilities as a protected class. It establishes that all persons in West Virginia have the right to be free from violence or intimidation based on their race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or disability. The bill outlines criminal penalties for those who willfully injure, intimidate, or interfere with others in the exercise of their rights due to these characteristics, classifying such actions as felonies punishable by fines up to $5,000 and/or imprisonment for up to ten years.

Additionally, the bill clarifies that conspiracy to commit such acts, as well as the teaching of techniques intended to cause harm in furtherance of these violations, are also felonies. It specifies that the motivation behind a crime, if based on the victim's race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, political affiliation, or disability, will be considered an aggravating circumstance during sentencing. The bill also includes a definition of "disability" as referenced in another section of the code, ensuring clarity in its application.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-6-21
Committee Substitute: 61-6-21
Engrossed Committee Substitute: 61-6-21