01/22/2026
Today, I emailed all West Virginia House members urging them to vote NO on HB4433.
To be very clear: human trafficking (especially involving children) is real and must be addressed. Most of us can agree on that.
But HB4433 does not focus on stopping traffickers. It redefines 'human trafficking' so broadly that ordinary West Virginians could face felony charges for everyday acts of service: giving someone a ride, offering a place to sleep, or assisting a neighbor...based solely on immigration status. It doesn’t strengthen public safety; rather, it puts people helping their neighbors at legal risk.
Harmful laws are often introduced as “law and order.”
- If this were N**i Germany, HB4433 would be the kind of law used to punish people who hid Anne Frank.
- If this were the era of slavery, HB4433 would be used to prosecute those who helped people escape bo***ge through the Underground Railroad.
HB4433 forces people of faith to choose between following their conscience and complying with the state. Scripture does not say, “Help the stranger only if they have the right paperwork.” It says “I was a stranger, and you took me in.” — Matthew 25:35 & “Do not oppress the foreigner among you.” — Exodus 23:9
This bill should concern anyone who values civil liberties and the right to privacy. It expands state authority, blurs the meaning of criminal intent, and allows seizure of vehicles or property from people whose only action may have been helping someone in need.
If you live in West Virginia, please consider contacting your delegates and asking them to vote NO on HB4433. Respectful messages matter, and most lawmakers do read emails specifically coming from their constituents.
West Virginia should stand for laws supporting justice, dignity, and personal responsibility; not ones that erode our shared sense of humanity.
