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Bill

Bill

HB 4845

Prohibiting entry by illegal aliens

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jim Butler and 7 co-sponsors

West Virginia bill prohibits illegal alien entry into the state, raising questions about state enforcement authority over federally regulated immigration matters.

To House Judiciary
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 4845

Legislative bill overview

HB 4845 seeks to prohibit entry into West Virginia by individuals present in the United States without legal authorization. The bill was introduced in the West Virginia House of Representatives and referred to the House Judiciary Committee. The specific enforcement mechanisms, penalties, and implementation details are not available from the filing information provided.

Why is this important

Immigration enforcement touches on federal-state jurisdictional questions, as immigration is primarily a federal responsibility under the Constitution. State-level restrictions could create practical enforcement challenges, potential conflicts with federal law, and impacts on local law enforcement resources and priorities.

Potential points of contention

  • Federal authority concerns: Immigration law is constitutionally a federal matter; states have limited ability to independently enforce immigration restrictions without federal cooperation
  • Enforcement ambiguity: The bill's mechanism for identifying and processing individuals without legal status, and whether it creates new state-level penalties or relies on federal processes, remains unclear
  • Implementation costs: State enforcement of immigration restrictions could require significant expenditures on detention, legal proceedings, and coordination with federal agencies without clear federal funding

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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