West Virginia House Passes Bill Targeting 'Drug-Related Nuisance' Properties

The legislation gives local governments more tools to address repeated drug activity and absentee landlords.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The West Virginia House of Delegates has passed a bill that creates a legal process allowing prosecuting attorneys, tenants, county residents, or community-based organizations to file in circuit court to combat properties linked to drug activity. The bill requires property owners to be notified before a complaint is filed and gives courts the power to order clean-up, repairs, civil penalties, and other corrective actions if a drug-related nuisance is found to exist.

Why it matters

The bill aims to give local governments more tools to address the ongoing issue of drug-related activity occurring at certain properties, particularly those owned by absentee landlords. By empowering a range of stakeholders to take legal action, the legislation seeks to hold property owners more accountable for maintaining their properties and preventing drug crimes.

The details

House Bill 4962 passed the West Virginia House with a 91-2 vote and now moves to the State Senate. The bill defines a 'drug-related nuisance' and outlines the legal process for filing complaints in circuit court. If a judge determines a nuisance exists, the court may order the property owner to take corrective actions such as clean-up, repairs, and civil penalties.

  • The West Virginia House of Delegates passed the bill on February 26, 2026.
  • The bill now moves to the State Senate for consideration.

The players

Del. Andy Shamblin

The Republican delegate from Kanawha County who sponsored the bill, saying it gives local governments another 'tool in the toolbox' to handle drug activity at certain properties.

House Bill 4962

The legislation passed by the West Virginia House that creates a legal process for addressing 'drug-related nuisance' properties.

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What they’re saying

“Well, the bill today will give counties and cities a very important tool in combating these drug-related nuisances.”

— Del. Andy Shamblin, Sponsor of House Bill 4962 (wowktv.com)

“What this bill does is it basically reminds the owner of these rental properties that they are responsible for maintaining their property, and they are responsible for ensuring that drug activity is not occurring.”

— Del. Andy Shamblin, Sponsor of House Bill 4962 (wowktv.com)

What’s next

The bill now moves to the West Virginia State Senate for consideration after passing the House with a 91-2 vote.

The takeaway

This legislation aims to empower local governments and community stakeholders to more effectively combat the ongoing issue of drug-related activity occurring at certain properties, particularly those owned by absentee landlords. By establishing a legal process for addressing 'drug-related nuisances', the bill seeks to hold property owners more accountable and provide additional tools to address this persistent problem.