The information in this post regarding SB-197, incorporating updates to the SOR & CAR, has been determined to be incorrect!

See our UPDATED & CORRECTED post here: https://wvrsol.org/2026/04/wvrsol-2026-legislative-summary-update/

By Philip . . . Here is the WVRSOL 2026 Legislative Session Summary – Final 

WVRSOL 2026 Legislative Session Update

The 2026 West Virginia legislative session included several bills affecting criminal law, sentencing policy, and registry-related issues that may impact WVRSOL members and registry-affected families.

Key Bill Affecting WVRSOL Members

🟢 SB-197 — Enrolled to the Governor

WVRSOL Position: Mixed – Opposed the introduced bill and amendment #1, and supported amendment #2.

The introduced version of SB-197 expanded the criminal offense of sexual abuse by a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust to a child by adding the offense of attempt.

Two major amendments were added before the bill passed.

Amendment #1 — Increased Criminal Penalties

One amendment doubled criminal penalties for certain sex offenses involving minors. WVRSOL monitored this amendment but remained neutral during the legislative process.

Amendment #2 — Registry Administrative Fixes

The second amendment made several administrative improvements to both the Sex Offender Registry (SOR) and the Child Abuse Registry (CAR). WVRSOL supported these fixes because they address longstanding problems affecting registrants.

Important Timing Issue

SB-197 was not made effective upon the Governor’s signature. Instead, it becomes law 90 days after the Governor signs it.

That means the law will likely take effect in mid-to-late June 2026, very close to the annual registry payment deadline of June 30.

Given this timing, registrants should pay close attention to updates on where payments must be made.

What SB-197 Changes for Registrants

Unified Payment Window

• Both registries now share the same payment period.
• January 1 – June 30 annually.
• Previously, CAR payments were due January 1 – January 30.

Payments Made Directly to WV State Police

• Payments will now be made directly to the West Virginia State Police.
• Previously, payments were made to the county clerk.

Clarification of Registry Fee

• Individuals listed on both registries pay one $125 annual fee.
• Some registrants were previously told they owed two fees.

What Registrants Should Do in 2026

1. Watch the Kaso v. Mitchell Case

If the federal court grants the preliminary injunction, the State may be temporarily prohibited from collecting registry fees.

2. Watch When SB-197 Is Signed

The effective date of the law depends on the Governor’s signature date. The new payment rules will begin 90 days after signature.

3. Confirm Who to Pay Before Paying

Because of the timing, registrants should verify whether payment must go to:

• The county clerk, or
• The West Virginia State Police.

4. Keep Proof of Payment

• Save payment receipts
• Keep copies of documentation
• Record the date payment was made

Other Legislation Tracked by WVRSOL

All remaining tracked legislation died when the Legislature adjourned:

• HB-4135
• HB-4414
• HB-4695
• HB-4750
• HB-4997
• HB-5016
• HB-5020
• HB-5176
• HB-5209
• HB-5253
• HB-5341
• HB-5368
• HB-5413
• HB-5493
• SB-16
• SB-124
• SB-154
• SB-174
• SB-241
• SB-436
• SB-500
• SB-628
• SB-783
• SB-1037
• SB-1068