HB4986

Relating to providing additional ground for abandonment finding in an adoption proceeding

Chamber Passed·3/4/26

West Virginia HB4986 modifies abandonment findings in adoption proceedings, including presumptions of abandonment for incarcerated parents and those.

West Virginia HB4986 amends the state's child welfare laws to provide additional grounds for abandonment findings in adoption proceedings. The bill presumes abandonment when a birth parent fails to financially support or visit their child, especially if the parent is incarcerated. It also presumes abandonment if the birth father denounces paternity after conception or if the parent has been convicted of certain crimes against children. The court must consider various factors, including the child's age and the parent's history of criminal behavior, when determining abandonment.

Included in complete analysis

  • Overview
  • Core Provisions
  • Implementation
  • Impact
  • Legal Framework
  • Critical Issues

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the House · 91–0 · Mar 4
Current
Judiciary Committee
Next
Senate floor vote

Sponsors

0
11
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Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Passed House (Roll No. 292)

91 Yea

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0 Nay

8 Absent

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Calendar

Feb 26

9:00 AM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

Feb 25

9:00 AM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

History

Mar 5

Senate

Introduced in Senate

Mar 5

Senate

To Judiciary

Mar 5

Senate

To Judiciary