West Virginia Lawmakers Debate ‘Raylee’s Law’ to Protect Children in Abuse Cases

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the West Virginia legislative session nears its deadline, lawmakers are engaged in a last-minute effort to pass “Raylee’s Law,” legislation aimed at protecting children at risk of abuse or neglect. The bill seeks to temporarily pause a parent’s ability to remove a child from public school for homeschooling or private education if the parent is under investigation for abuse or neglect.

The Genesis of ‘Raylee’s Law’

“Raylee’s Law” is named for Raylee Jolynn Browning, an 8-year-old girl who died in 2018 in Oak Hill, West Virginia, due to abuse and neglect [1]. Raylee had been withdrawn from public school by her father prior to her death. Her father, along with his girlfriend and the girlfriend’s sister, were later convicted of child neglect causing death [1].

House Bill 5669: Key Provisions

House Bill 5669 (HB 5669) would prohibit custodial parents or guardians accused of abuse or neglect from withdrawing a child from school to begin homeschooling while Child Protective Services (CPS) conducts an investigation [1]. The restriction would remain in effect until CPS determines the allegations are unfounded or a court intervenes. The bill specifies that the provisions are triggered by reports from mandatory reporters – individuals legally required to report suspected child abuse, such as teachers and school personnel [1].

Amendments to the bill have included narrowing the timeframe for CPS investigations from 14 days to seven days [1] and requiring the state Department of Education to develop guidance for school systems on implementing the law [1].

Senate Bill 972 and Legislative Obstacles

The Senate version of the legislation, Senate Bill 972 (SB 972), has faced obstacles in the Senate Health and Human Resources Committee [4]. Senator Joey Garcia (D-Marion) attempted to discharge the bill from committee for consideration on the Senate floor, but the motion was tabled in a 20-11 vote on March 2, 2026 [4], [3].

Following the failed motion, Senator Garcia protested by requesting that all bills on the Senate’s third reading agenda be read in full, a tactic used to slow down the legislative process [3], [1].

Legislative Sponsors and Concerns

SB 972 is sponsored by Senate Education Committee Chairwoman Amy Grady (R-Mason) and Senator Joey Garcia (D-Marion) [1]. Senator Grady has emphasized that the bill is intended to protect children and is not an infringement on parental rights [1].

Concerns have been raised by homeschooling advocates who argue the bill infringes on parental rights. However, supporters maintain the bill is narrowly tailored to apply only in cases where a CPS investigation is already underway based on a report from a mandatory reporter [1].

Crossover Day and Next Steps

With the legislative Crossover Day deadline approaching on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, both the House and Senate are working to advance the bill. Bills must pass their originating chamber by Crossover Day to remain viable [1]. The House has previously passed similar versions of the bill in recent years, but they were not taken up by the Senate.