Docket Room
HB 5496·WV·house

Providing for the offense of child torture.

In CommitteeFiled Feb 13, 2026
Sponsor: Mazzocchi
Latest Action

To House Judiciary

Feb 13, 2026

Summary

The bill makes it a felony for anyone 16 years or older to torture a child, using a detailed definition of torture that includes severe physical and emotional abuse. Penalties range from 10 to 25 years in a state prison, with limited parole eligibility depending on whether the child is injured. It is intended to strengthen legal protections for children against extreme abuse.

AI-generated summary — may be incomplete or inaccurate. Verify against the official bill text.

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