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Bill

SB 228

Relating to use of technology in child abuse and neglect investigations

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Trenton Barnhart and 3 co-sponsors

West Virginia authorizes child protective services and law enforcement to use technology and digital forensics in child abuse investigations.

Chapter 61, Acts, Regular Session, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 228

Legislative bill overview

SB 228 authorizes West Virginia child protective services and law enforcement to use technology tools and digital forensics in investigations of child abuse and neglect cases. The bill establishes protocols for collecting, preserving, and utilizing electronic evidence while investigating suspected child maltreatment.

Why is this important

Child abuse investigations increasingly involve digital evidence—including communications, images, and online activity—that can corroborate or establish abuse. Without clear statutory authorization, investigators may face legal challenges to evidence collection or lack standardized procedures. This bill modernizes investigative capabilities to address how abuse is documented and perpetrated in the digital age.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and surveillance concerns: Authorizing broad technology use in investigations could enable invasive monitoring or data collection with minimal oversight if safeguards are undefined in the bill language
  • Access to devices and accounts: Unclear whether the bill permits warrantless access to phones, computers, or online accounts, or if it requires traditional legal processes
  • Implementation costs: Training investigators on digital forensics and acquiring technology infrastructure requires resources West Virginia may need to allocate

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

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