Subcommittee unanimously backs bills adding protections and clarity for corrections officers
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Summary
Two related bills (HB 295 and HB 294) clarifying and strengthening statutory recognition and penalties for attacks on corrections officers were reported unanimously out of subcommittee, 10–0.
Delegate (patron) presented HB 295 and HB 294 to explicitly include corrections officers among public safety professionals eligible for enhanced recognition in the aggravated murder and related statutes. The patron said the bills respond to incidents in local facilities and called for statutory clarity and parity with other public-safety roles.
Assistant commonwealth's attorneys and corrections advocates supported the bills. Committee counsel explained that the law’s definitions (for example, a law-enforcement officer defined in Va. Code § 9.1‑101) would generally cover sheriffs and typical jail staff but cautioned about coverage for private jails or some internal‑investigation staff. The patron and counsel agreed on intent to cover public correctional staff who carry out custody or supervisory duties.
Both HB 295 and HB 294 were reported without opposition, each by a vote of 10–0. The bills advance to the next stage with the subcommittee’s recommendation.
What’s next: The bills move to the full committee for floor consideration.
