CHAPTER 15. PUBLIC SAFETY.

ARTICLE 9C. WEST VIRGINIA SENTENCING COMMISSION.

§15-9C-5. Recommendations to Legislature.

(a) In addition to the dissemination of information set forth in §15-9C-3 of this code, the commission shall provide, on or before January 1, 2022, an assessment and report to the Legislature as its findings, analysis, and recommendations, if any, as to the state’s sentencing and correctional laws and policies.

(b) As part of the report set forth in subsection (a) of this section, the commission may, or at the request of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Delegates, shall make recommendations regarding the following issues:

(1) Whether the state should adopt discretionary sentencing guidelines and, if so, what type of discretionary sentencing guidelines should be adopted;

(2) Whether the state should alter the manner in which an inmate obtains credit for good time;

(3) Whether the state needs to take action to ensure that there is a coordinated system of alternatives to incarceration at the state and county levels and, if so, what action should be taken;

(4) Whether the state should establish additional guidelines and procedures to examine or reexamine the reduction of long-term sentences of individuals who are not a danger to public safety; and

(5) Any other matters relating to state and local laws and policies governing sentencing, parole, mandatory supervision, and correctional alternative programs.