CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The W.Va. House of Delegates voted to increase sentences for convicted child abusers Thursday, for the for the fifth time in six years. Similar bills have made it out of the chamber in recent sessions, but all have failed to leave the State Senate. The House Majority whip believes that will change this year.
“We have a little different makeup in the Senate this year than we have had in the past. I have full confidence this will pass quickly and easy,” said Del. Marty Gearheart (R-Mercer.) “No one that I am aware of can think of anything much more heinous than crimes against children, neglecting children.”
If made law, House Bill 2123 would amend state code to raise the minimum sentencing from one year to two years and raise the maximum from five years to ten years in prison for child abuse convicts. It’s a change the bill’s lead sponsor believes should be common sense.
“C’mon guys,” said Del. Doug Smith (R-Mercer) while referring to his Senate colleagues. “This is has been out there for, you know, five times out of six years. Passes the house unanimously. This is taking care of the kids. You guys need to step up to the plate.”
House Bill 2123 was approved overwhelmingly by the House on Thursday with a 99-0 vote. It now heads to the State Senate for consideration, where WVVA will continue to follow developments.
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