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HR 17

Requesting and encouraging a full, complete, and transparent investigation into the Jeffrey Epstein files.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Anders and 4 co-sponsors

Calls for a full, unredacted federal investigation into Epstein ties, with focus on West Virginia figures, and release of related nonclassified records.

To House Judiciary
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Bill Summary · HR 17

Summary of House Resolution 17 (Session 2026, West Virginia)

Purpose and intent

  • HR 17 is a nonbinding resolution that requests and encourages a full, complete, and transparent investigation by federal authorities into Jeffrey Epstein and related matters, with particular attention to any individuals in West Virginia who may be implicated.
  • The measure emphasizes accountability, equal application of the law, public access to information, and justice for Epstein-related victims.

Key provisions and changes

  • Appeals for a full investigation: Urges the United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and any other appropriate federal authorities to conduct and complete a full, unredacted, and transparent investigation into all matters related to Jeffrey Epstein and his associates.
  • Disclosure of records: Calls for the release, to the maximum extent permitted by law, of all non-classified records, filings, communications, and evidence related to the Epstein investigation, including the identities of individuals credibly implicated through sworn testimony or documented evidence.
  • WV-specific focus: Requests special attention to individuals with current or past ties to West Virginia (public officials, political appointees, donors, business entities, or institutions operating in the state) who may be connected to Epstein-related criminal activity.
  • Cooperation with state authorities: Encourages cooperation between federal authorities and appropriate West Virginia investigative bodies if evidence arises implicating violations of West Virginia law.
  • Victims’ rights and integrity of the process: Affirms victims’ rights to justice, transparency, and accountability, and condemns efforts to suppress, delay, or obscure the truth for political or personal gain.
  • Principle of equal justice: Reaffirms that justice should be applied equally to all persons regardless of wealth or status.

Who or what would be affected

  • Federal agencies: DOJ, FBI, and other federal authorities are the primary targets for the requested action.
  • West Virginia-related individuals: The resolution particularly highlights individuals with ties to West Virginia who may be implicated by Epstein-related investigations (public officials, donors, business entities, institutions, etc.).
  • State processes: Encourages coordination between federal investigators and West Virginia state investigative bodies if applicable.
  • Public records: Supports broad access to non-classified investigative records related to Epstein, incentivizing transparency.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced February 17, 2026; referred to the House Judiciary Committee and then to Rules.
  • Nature: A resolution (nonbinding) expressing the will and recommendation of the West Virginia House of Delegates to federal authorities and various state actors.
  • Directives: While it does not create new legal obligations, it formally requests action and transparency and directs the Clerk of the House to transmit copies of the resolution to relevant officials (U.S. Attorney General, FBI Director, WV congressional delegation, and WV Governor).

Potential impact and considerations

  • Symbolic impact: Signals West Virginia’s interest in transparency and accountability regarding Epstein-related matters, including potential connections to state actors.
  • Policy impact: Could influence public perception of accountability standards and encourage faster or more comprehensive disclosure from federal investigators.
  • Limitations: As a nonbinding resolution, it does not compel federal investigations or create new legal requirements for states or individuals.
  • Public interest: Aligns with victim rights and anti-corruption objectives by promoting unredacted records where legally permissible.

If you’d like, I can add a side-by-side comparison with similar resolutions or place this bill within a broader WV legislative context.

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

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