WEST virginia Legislature
2023 regular session
Introduced
House Bill Number
By Delegate Pushkin
[Introduced January 11, 2023; Referred to the Committee on Health and Human Resources then the Judiciary]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §9-5-30, relating to permitting certain felons to work in licensed behavioral health facilities; setting conditions and limitations; and requiring rule-making.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
## ARTICLE 5. MISCELLANEOUS PROVISIONS.
Notwithstanding any provision of this code to the contrary, upon completion of his or her criminal sentence, any person convicted of nonviolent felony is eligible for employment at a behavioral health facility, conditioned on rules promulgated pursuant to this section. The department shall propose rules for legislative approval, in accordance with §29A-3-1 et seq. of this code, necessary to establish eligibility criteria and provide for any conditions and limitations on employment necessary to provide for the safety of patients and other employees at the facility: Provided, That the provisions of this section do not supersede licensing requirements for any professions regulated pursuant to chapter 30 of this code.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to permit certain felons to work in licensed behavioral health facilities. The bill sets conditions and limitations. The bill requires rule-making.
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading, or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.