SB473

Creating felony offense of using electronic device to threaten violence

Chamber Passed·2/10/26

West Virginia SB473 creates a felony for using electronic devices to threaten violence.

West Virginia SB473 amends the West Virginia Computer Crime and Abuse Act to establish felony penalties for using electronic communication devices to threaten crimes of violence. The bill defines "electronic communication device" broadly to include computers, mobile phones, and gaming devices. It specifies that making threats through these devices, which cause evacuations, serious public alarm, or are done recklessly, is a felony. The bill also prohibits knowingly allowing such devices to be used for these purposes and sets penalties for violations, including fines and jail time.

Included in complete analysis

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

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Where it stands

Last
Passed the Senate · 34–0 · Feb 10
Current
The House
Next
House floor vote

Sponsors

D
1
3
RRR
Democratic CaucusRepublican Caucus

Roll Call Votes

Passed Senate (Roll No. 60)

34 Yea

RRRRRRRRRRRRRRDRRRRRDRRRRRRRRRRRRR

0 Nay

Calendar

Mar 6

9:00 AM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

Mar 5

9:00 AM

Standing Committee on the Judiciary Meeting

History

Mar 12

House

Motion to postpone indefinitely

Mar 12

House

Postponed indefinitely

Mar 11

House

On 3rd reading, Special Calendar