The bill amends West Virginia Code §15-10-5 to expand the categories of federal law-enforcement officers who are authorized to enforce state laws under specific circumstances. The new provisions allow federal officers, such as those from the FBI, DEA, and other federal agencies, to have the same enforcement authority as state or local officers when requested for assistance by state or local law enforcement, when exigent circumstances exist, or when a felony is witnessed. Additionally, the bill grants law-enforcement commissioned rangers of the National Park Service and officers from the United States Forest Service the powers of arrest, search, and seizure for offenses committed within their respective jurisdictions.

The bill also clarifies that federal officers acting under this authority are not considered state or local officers, cannot conduct independent investigations except in certain circumstances, and are subject to the same legal immunities as state or local law-enforcement officers. This legislative change aims to enhance cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agencies, ensuring a more unified approach to law enforcement in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-10-5
Enrolled Version: 15-10-5