Virginia House Bill HB1276

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/10/24
• Refer: 1/10/24

Caption

Sexually explicit visual material; displaying to a child unlawful, penalty.

Impact

The bill is expected to lead to a net increase in periods of imprisonment, specifically for offenders who would face harsher penalties under the new provisions. There is an acknowledgment that the proposed changes may result in higher costs for the state regarding adult corrections. However, the financial impact for juvenile commitments remains negligible, as indicated by the bill's estimates. This indicates a strong legislative intent to create a clear deterrent against the distribution of inappropriate material to children, thereby enhancing safety measures within the Commonwealth.

Summary

House Bill 1276 seeks to amend and reenact §18.2-374.4 of the Code of Virginia, addressing the display of sexually explicit visual material to children. It establishes that any individual over the age of 18 who shows such material or grooming videos to a child under 13, with the intent to entice or solicit inappropriate actions, will be guilty of a Class 6 felony. The implications of this bill are significant in terms of enhancing child protection laws and imposing stricter penalties on those who engage in such harmful activities.

Contention

While the bill aims to strengthen legal protections for children against sexual exploitation, it may also spark debate regarding its implications on free expression and the definitions of sexually explicit material. Advocates for child rights and safety are likely to support the bill, while concerns may arise from civil liberties groups regarding potential overreach in the law and its impact on legitimate content. The categorization of materials deemed as 'grooming' could lead to further scrutiny and legal challenges, emphasizing the need for clear definitions to avoid unintended consequences.