West Virginia House Bill HB5427

West Virginia 2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/10/26
• Refer: 2/10/26

Caption

To prohibit the malicious publication of personally identifiable information with intent to harass, intimidate, threaten, stalk, or facilitate harm.

Impact

If enacted, HB5427 will significantly impact state laws related to the protection of personal information. It will introduce criminal penalties for individuals who maliciously disclose PII without consent, categorizing such actions as misdemeanors or felonies depending on the severity of the offense and the victim's status, particularly if they belong to sensitive professions. Additionally, the bill creates a structure for civil actions, allowing victims to seek damages and injunctive relief, thus enhancing legal protection against doxxing incidents.

Summary

House Bill 5427, known as the Anti-Doxxing and Privacy Protection Act, seeks to amend the Code of West Virginia to prohibit the malicious publication of personally identifiable information (PII) with the intent to harass, intimidate, or cause harm. The bill addresses the growing concern regarding doxxing, which has increasingly become a tool for online harassment and intimidation. It establishes clear definitions related to doxxing and sets forth the need for both criminal penalties and civil remedies for affected individuals.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB5427 appears to be largely supportive among legislators who view it as a necessary step to protect individuals from the adverse effects of doxxing and to enhance personal safety in a digital age. Advocates emphasize the importance of safeguarding individuals, particularly law enforcement and essential service providers, from harassment that may occur through the malicious sharing of their personal information.

Contention

However, there are notable points of contention surrounding the bill, particularly regarding its potential implications for free speech and the public's right to access information. Critics argue that the bill could inadvertently hinder legitimate journalism and public discourse if not carefully implemented. Additionally, concerns have been raised about ensuring that enforcement mechanisms do not overreach, thereby infringing on constitutional rights while attempting to prevent harmful actions stemming from doxxing.