This bill proposes the addition of a new article to the Code of West Virginia, specifically Article 17, which establishes the crime of disturbing a lawful meeting. It defines the offense as actions intended to prevent or disrupt a lawful meeting, procession, or gathering, including obstructive acts or offensive utterances that outrage the sensibilities of the group. The bill outlines that a person found guilty of this offense will generally be charged with a misdemeanor, but it escalates to a felony if the disturbance is aimed at religious gatherings, whether in-person or virtual, with specific intent to disrupt.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies definitions related to the crime, including terms such as "computer," "computer system," and "telecommunications device," which are aligned with existing legal definitions. It also introduces the term "virtual meeting or gathering," referring to meetings conducted via interactive video or teleconference. The overall aim of the bill is to provide legal recourse against individuals who intentionally disrupt lawful assemblies, thereby protecting the integrity of such gatherings.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 61-17-1