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Panel considers adding carjacking and sexual‑exploitation charges to school notification law
Summary
The committee debated adding carjacking and sexual‑exploitation (sextortion/sexting) offenses to the list of crimes that trigger mandatory school notification; supporters said the new categories reflect modern threats, while disability and youth advocates warned of harmful school exclusions based on allegations.
Senator Marsden introduced Senate Bill 1331 to add carjacking and sexual exploitation offenses to the list of crimes that must be reported to a student’s school under Virginia code. Marsden said the additions reflect offenses that did not exist, or were rare, when the notification provision was first enacted and that schools need awareness when serious crimes are alleged involving students.
Supporters including the Department of Juvenile Justice told the committee the statute already requires notification for many serious offenses and that carjacking and sexual exploitation are similar in severity and potential risk to other offenses on the list. "Carjacking is one of the most serious offenses that can be committed," the DJJ testified.
Opponents, including disability advocates and youth‑justice organizations, argued that mandatory notifications based only on allegations risk pushing vulnerable students — particularly students with autism or other developmental disabilities — out of school before adjudication. "This bill would have severe consequences, especially for our autistic children who may be more vulnerable," said a representative from Decriminalized Developmental Disabilities. Rise For Youth and other groups also warned that notification can lead to expulsions or long absences from school, harming education and rehabilitation opportunities.
Senators and witnesses discussed whether notification compels schools to take exclusionary action; committee members emphasized the statute requires notification but does not mandate suspension or expulsion and that school districts retain discretion and must consider disability and individualized education needs.
After extended debate on due‑process and child‑welfare implications, the committee voted to report the bill (not a finance item) by a roll call (ayes 8, no 4, abstentions 2). Members said they wanted to balance victim safety and school awareness with protections for vulnerable students.
