CHARLESTON — The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced a bill that would lengthen parole eligibility requirements and increase maximum sentences for second-degree murder convictions in West Virginia, a move supporters say is aimed at protecting victims’ families from repeated trauma.
Sen. Tom Willis (R-Berkeley, 15), chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, said Senate Bill 137 is focused on stopping victims’ families from repeatedly reliving the trauma of violent crime.
“As Judiciary chairman, I think this bill comes down to basic common sense for victims’ families,” Willis told Mountaineer Journal. “Too many families have been forced to come face to face with the person who murdered their loved one, not just once, but again and again through the parole process. That’s wrong. This legislation is about making sure families aren’t asked to relive that trauma over and over, while still holding violent offenders properly accountable.”
Senate Bill 137 would amend §61-2-3 of the state code by increasing the minimum time a person convicted of second-degree murder must serve before becoming eligible for parole from 10 years to 15 years. The bill would also raise the maximum allowable sentence from 40 years to 60 years.
Supporters of the legislation told lawmakers the changes are intended to address concerns from victims’ families who must repeatedly participate in the parole process.
Putnam County Prosecutor Kris Raynes testified in favor of the bill, emphasizing the emotional toll of frequent parole hearings.
“If they are denied at the first chance, they have every three years to go up before the parole board again,” Raynes said. “This is very trauma-inducing for the families that have to relive this every three years.”
Following discussion, the committee recommended Senate Bill 137 for passage and sent it to the full Senate for consideration.
