Wyoming Lawmaker Pushes for Harsher Sentences on Child Sex Crimes

Bill seeks to increase penalties for child sexual abuse, neglect, and explicit content

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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A Wyoming County lawmaker is sponsoring legislation for the third consecutive year that would increase criminal penalties for sex crimes involving children. The bill would raise sentencing for child sexual abuse, increase penalties for child neglect resulting in death, and enhance punishments for exhibiting, transporting or sending material depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation aims to address repeat offenses, as studies have found that up to 42% of offenders will offend again. The bill also includes stricter penalties for individuals in positions of trust, such as parents, teachers and coaches, as most victims know their alleged abuser.

The details

Del. Adam Vance, R-Wyoming, is sponsoring the bill, which has received support during the past two legislative sessions but was prevented from reaching final passage due to procedural issues. The bill would increase sentencing for child sexual abuse, raise penalties for child neglect resulting in death, and enhance punishments for exhibiting, transporting or sending material depicting children engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

  • The Hoops Family Children's Hospital in Huntington reported serving 278 victims of child abuse in 2023.
  • Vance is sponsoring the legislation for the third consecutive year.

The players

Del. Adam Vance

A Wyoming County lawmaker who is sponsoring the legislation to increase criminal penalties for sex crimes involving children.

Olivia Laverty

The deputy director of the West Virginia Child Advocacy Center, who said the proposed legislation could help address repeat offenses and that most victims know their alleged abuser.

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What they’re saying

“That's the worst kind of degrading that I think that you could do to somebody, and we need stiffer penalties for that.”

— Del. Adam Vance, Lawmaker (wchstv.com)

“Some studies have found that it's like as high as 42% of offenders will offend again. And so I just think that the increased penalties and the potential to hold these folks in prison longer for the crimes that they have committed could keep more children safe in the long run.”

— Olivia Laverty, Deputy Director, West Virginia Child Advocacy Center (wchstv.com)

What’s next

Vance said he hopes this year the state Senate will advance the measure, which has received support during the past two legislative sessions but was prevented from reaching final passage due to procedural issues.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing efforts to strengthen penalties for sex crimes against children, with the goal of deterring abuse, holding offenders accountable, and protecting more children from repeat offenders. The proposed legislation aims to address a critical issue, as most victims know their alleged abuser.