This bill aims to amend 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 bill specifies that federal officers, including those from various agencies such as the FBI, DEA, and U.S. Marshals, can enforce state laws if they are requested for assistance by state or local law enforcement, if exigent circumstances exist, or if they witness a felony. Additionally, the bill introduces new categories of federal law-enforcement personnel eligible for this authority, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents and military law enforcement personnel conducting law enforcement missions.

The bill also clarifies the powers of law-enforcement commissioned rangers of the National Park Service and officers from the U.S. Forest Service, granting them the authority to arrest, search, and seize in relation to offenses committed within their respective jurisdictions. Furthermore, it establishes that individuals acting under this authority have the same legal immunities and limitations as state or local law-enforcement officers, while also prohibiting them from conducting independent investigations unrelated to their official duties, except in specific circumstances. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance cooperation between federal and state law enforcement agencies in West Virginia.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 15-10-5