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HB 2198

Relating to extended supervision for certain drug offenders

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Brandon Steele

HB 2198 mandates up to 10 years of supervised release for serious drug offenders in West Virginia, promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism to enhance public safety.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HB 2198

Summary of House Bill 2198 (HB 2198)

Overview

House Bill 2198 (HB 2198) is a legislative proposal introduced in the West Virginia Legislature aimed at establishing extended supervision for certain drug offenders. The bill seeks to enhance the regulatory framework surrounding the sentencing and supervision of individuals convicted of specific drug-related offenses.

Purpose and Intent

The primary purpose of HB 2198 is to implement a system of extended supervised release for individuals convicted of serious drug offenses, specifically those involving controlled substances classified in schedules I, II, and III, excluding marijuana. This measure is intended to provide a structured approach to post-incarceration supervision, thereby promoting rehabilitation and reducing recidivism among drug offenders.

Key Provisions

HB 2198 includes several significant provisions:

  1. Extended Supervised Release:

    • Offenders convicted of certain drug offenses will be required to serve a period of supervised release of up to 10 years as part of their sentence.
    • The supervised release period begins after the completion of any probation, incarceration, or parole.

  2. Supervision by Probation Officers:

    • Offenders will be supervised by multijudicial circuit probation officers, or by the probation office of the sentencing court if such officers are unavailable.

  3. Conditions of Supervised Release:

    • The conditions of supervised release will align with those applicable to probation, ensuring consistency in supervision standards.

  4. Supervision Fee:

    • A supervision fee of up to $50 per month may be imposed based on the offender's ability to pay, helping to offset the costs of supervision.

  5. Modification and Revocation:

    • The court retains the authority to modify, terminate, or revoke supervised release based on the offender's conduct and compliance with conditions.
    • Specific procedures are outlined for the revocation of supervised release, including the potential for delayed revocation if violations occur before the expiration of the release period.

  6. Written Conditions:

    • Courts are required to provide a written statement of the conditions of supervised release to the offender at the time of sentencing.

Impact

The implementation of HB 2198 is expected to affect individuals convicted of serious drug offenses in West Virginia. By mandating extended supervision, the bill aims to enhance public safety, support offender rehabilitation, and reduce the likelihood of reoffending. The structured approach to supervision may also provide clearer guidelines for both offenders and probation officers.

Legislative Timeline

  • Introduced: January 29, 2025
  • Referred to House Judiciary: February 12, 2025
  • First Reading: February 4, 2025
  • Do Pass: March 12, 2025
  • Second Reading: March 27, 2025
  • Re-referred to Rules Committee: May 31, 2025

The bill is currently under consideration in the House Judiciary Committee, with further legislative actions anticipated as it progresses through the legislative process.

Conclusion

HB 2198 represents a significant step towards reforming the supervision of drug offenders in West Virginia. By establishing a framework for extended supervision, the bill aims to balance accountability with rehabilitation, ultimately contributing to safer communities and better outcomes for individuals affected by drug-related offenses.

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

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