Bill > HB989

This bill amends a Virginia law concerning the sexual abuse of children, specifically increasing the penalty for such offenses. Previously, committing an act of sexual abuse with lascivious intent against a child who is 13 or 14 years old was classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor, which is a less severe criminal offense. This bill changes that classification to a Class 6 felony, a more serious crime, thereby increasing the potential punishment. The bill also notes that this change is estimated to result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities, with an associated appropriation of at least $766,778.

Education, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB989