CHARLESTON, West Virginia – In response to the tragic death of 15‑year‑old Bryce Tate, who was coerced in a Snapchat‑based sexual extortion scheme, the West Virginia Senate is drafting legislation that would impose life imprisonment on any predator whose actions result in a victim’s death.
Legislative action follows recent lawsuits
Attorney General JB McCuskey filed two lawsuits against Snapchat on Thursday, alleging the platform failed to review 96% of abuse reports and that its “trust and safety” team was understaffed. McCuskey told reporters, “Reports of abuse often went nowhere with 96% of all abuse reports given to Snapchat getting zero review. Snapchat told Congress that its trust and safety team was working 24/7. Its own records indicate that the team was stretched thin and there was no full‑time around‑the‑clock coverage.”
The AG’s legal actions are prompting legislators to consider additional safeguards. Senate Bill 421, passed two years ago, already carries severe penalties for sexual extortion. Delegate JB Akers said the new draft would extend those penalties to include life sentences when the crime results in death.
Proposed penalties and civil remedies
“If you are found guilty of sadistic online exploitation in West Virginia and that results in the death of your victim, then you’ll get life in prison as well. You take a life, you’re going to get life. That’s the way it goes in this state,” Akers said. He added that the legislature previously approved a bill providing civil penalties for predators involved in sexual extortion, and that further measures could be added after the AG’s lawsuits are resolved.
“Sometimes it’s difficult to know where to draw the line, but if we have actors in this space who are being deceptive or dishonest in West Virginia, we will take action on that as well,” Akers explained. “Some of this, I think, will depend, to some extent, upon what our AG tells us he discovers in this case.”
Impact on families and communities
The proposed changes aim to protect families and uphold the sanctity of life, a core value for West Virginians. By targeting predators who exploit minors online, the legislation seeks to deter future abuse and provide a measure of justice for grieving families like the Tate family.
Community leaders have expressed support for the tougher stance, emphasizing that strong legal consequences are essential to safeguard children from digital predators. The draft bills also call for a permanent injunction against platforms that fail to enforce safety standards, as well as court‑ordered safety changes and other relief measures.
Next steps
The Senate will review the draft language in the coming weeks, with the expectation that the House will consider parallel measures. If passed, the new penalties would become law before the end of the legislative session, signaling a firm commitment by the Trump administration’s allies in West Virginia to protect the most vulnerable citizens.
Stakeholders are encouraged to submit comments during the public hearing period, which will be announced by the West Virginia Legislature’s clerk’s office.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
