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Senate committee tightens impersonation bill to require intent to deceive

Senate of Virginia, Senate Courts of Justice Committee · February 25, 2026

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Summary

Lawmakers amended House Bill 14‑92 to raise penalties for impersonating federal law enforcement and added a drafting change — 'for the purpose of deceiving another' — after judgeship and civil-liberties concerns about overbreadth (e.g., Halloween costumes). The committee reported the bill to Finance.

House Bill 14‑92 would increase penalties for people who impersonate federal law enforcement officers: sponsors told the committee the first offense would move from a class 1 misdemeanor to a class 6 felony and that masked or concealed identification could carry higher felonies for repeat or aggravated conduct.

Sponsor remarks focused on recent incidents where individuals impersonated federal agents to intimidate residents. Several senators raised concerns that the existing code already contains similar ‘‘pretends to be’’ language and that the statutory language should make criminal intent explicit to avoid prosecuting innocent or satirical conduct.

Committee counsel cited a case where the courts had not clearly decided whether ‘‘pretending’’ required a specific intent to deceive. Members agreed to insert language making deception the required purpose. The amendment — proposed and seconded on the record — was adopted. The committee then voted to report the bill and re‑refer it to Finance for fiscal review.