West Virginia § 4-5-5 - 4-5-5. Investigations exempt from public disclosure requirements.

Full text of West Virginia West Virginia Code § 4-5-5 — 4-5-5. Investigations exempt from public disclosure requirements., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4-5-5. 4-5-5. Investigations exempt from public disclosure requirements.

(a) The investigations conducted by the commission and the materials, in any medium, including hard copy and electronic, placed in the custody of the commission as a result of any such investigation are exempt from public disclosure under the provisions of chapter 29B of this code.

(b) Notwithstanding any other provision of this code to the contrary, the commission may dispose of printed materials placed in its files upon a vote of the commission: Provided, That the commission shall save copies of materials filed on or after January 1, 2010, in electronic form prior to their disposal.

(c) When the commission receives information, in any form, from any office, agency, department, or branch of state or local government that is bound by state or federal law to maintain the confidentiality, privacy, or security of the information, that governmental body shall identify to the commission what information and materials are so protected and identify the law or laws governing the confidentiality, privacy, or security of the information. The commission shall protect the confidentiality, privacy, or security of the protected information in like manner and to the same level as is required of the governmental body providing the information to the commission. When the commission has completed an investigation and no longer has a need to maintain the confidential or protected information or materials, the commission shall notify the entity from whom the information was received and, unless requested to return the information or materials, shall destroy the same in a secure fashion and notify the entity from whom the information was received of this destruction.

Source: official West Virginia text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About West Virginia § 4-5-5

What does West Virginia Code § 4-5-5 cover?

Section 4-5-5 ("4-5-5. Investigations exempt from public disclosure requirements.") is part of the West Virginia Code, the codified statutory law of West Virginia. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite West Virginia § 4-5-5?

A common citation format is "West Virginia Code § 4-5-5" (West Virginia). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of West Virginia law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the West Virginia official source linked on this page or consult a licensed West Virginia attorney.

How does West Virginia § 4-5-5 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in West Virginia can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in West Virginia.