WV House approves increasing penalties for human trafficking of immigrants without legal status

By: Amelia Ferrell Knisely

Outlets: West Virginia Watch

Published: January 27, 2026

Words: 607

Last Updated: 3 weeks, 3 days ago

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The House of Delegates overwhelmingly passed a measure Tuesday that would increase penalties for human trafficking and human smuggling in West Virginia.

The measure, House Bill 4433, would expand the state’s definitions of human trafficking, smuggling crimes, forced labor and more. The measure establishes specific felony penalties for the illegal transport of adults and minors.

“There’s no confusion about what the intent of this bill is,” said Del. J.B. Akers, R-Kanawha, a co-sponsor of …

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