Bill > HB1286

This bill amends existing Virginia law to create a new penalty for committing battery against employees of social services departments. Specifically, it adds a provision that anyone who commits a battery against an employee of a local or state Department of Social Services, knowing or having reason to know that the employee is performing their official duties, will be guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. A Class 1 misdemeanor is a less serious criminal offense. The bill also mandates that upon conviction for this offense, the sentence must include a jail term of 15 days, with a mandatory minimum of two days that cannot be suspended. This change aims to provide increased protection for social services employees who often work in challenging situations.

Education, Justice

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1286