Bill > HB2363

This bill expands the law enforcement powers of certain employees of the Department of Corrections by allowing designated employees to have the same powers as a sheriff or law enforcement officer for the purpose of enforcing all criminal laws of the Commonwealth, rather than previously limiting their authority to only investigating allegations of criminal behavior affecting the Department's operations. The bill makes corresponding technical changes to various sections of the Virginia Code, including definitions of law enforcement officers, provisions related to the Line of Duty Act, assault and battery of law enforcement officers, retired law enforcement officers' ability to carry concealed handguns, and provisions allowing retired law enforcement officers to purchase their service handguns. Specifically, the bill modifies sections related to definitions of law enforcement officers to include Department of Corrections employees designated to enforce criminal laws, updates provisions about benefits and protections for such officers, and ensures these designated employees can be considered law enforcement officers for various legal purposes. The changes aim to provide Department of Corrections employees with broader law enforcement capabilities and legal recognitions consistent with other law enforcement agencies in the Commonwealth.

Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20251/HB2363