NEW BAD BOYS LAW REQUIRES INMATES TO ANTE UP

(06/14/2004)
Bad boys beware.

West Virginia has passed a a law known as the Bad Boy Act, which requires inmates convicted of a misdemeanor to pay for their stay in the regional jail.

The new law is now in effect.

The law (HB4634)requires inmates to reimburse the county for the cost of his or her incarceration -- if the person is able to.

Kanawha County Commission President Kent Carper says if a person goes out and breaks the law, taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for it.

The law says a hearing must be held to determine if the individual is capable of paying.