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Bill > HB688
VA HB688
VA HB688Children; seizure of audio and visual equipment, etc., in connection with solicitation, etc.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children. Provides that all audio and visual equipment, electronic equipment, devices, and other personal property used in connection with the possession, production, distribution, publication, sale, possession with intent to distribute, or making of child pornography, or in connection with the solicitation of a person less than 18 years of age, in violation of current law, shall be subject to lawful seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth by order of the court trying the case. The bill also (i) requires the court to order the destruction of all such equipment, devices, and other personal property, (ii) requires certain information to be provided by the law-enforcement agency responsible for the destruction, (iii) prohibits destruction of such items to be used in a criminal prosecution until all rights of appeal have been exhausted, and (iv) requires the law-enforcement agency to provide notice, by first-class mail, to the accused or other interested party, if known, and his attorney at least seven days prior to the destruction of the time and place the destruction will occur.
AI Summary
This bill modifies existing Virginia law to strengthen measures against child exploitation and solicitation by allowing law-enforcement officers to seize and forfeit any audio, visual, or electronic equipment, devices, and other personal property used in connection with child pornography offenses or the solicitation of minors. Importantly, the bill mandates that courts order the destruction of such seized property after ensuring it's no longer needed for criminal prosecution or appeals, with specific procedures for reporting the destruction and providing advance notice to the accused or interested parties.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote) (on 01/28/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB688 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB688/text/HB688 |
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