WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 295

Aggravated murder; adds correctional officers to definition, punishment.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchell Cornett

HB 295 adds correctional officers to Virginia's aggravated murder statute, enabling enhanced criminal penalties for their deaths during job duties.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB295)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 295

Legislative bill overview

HB 295 expands Virginia's aggravated murder statute to include correctional officers as protected victims. The bill would make the killing of a correctional officer in the performance of their duties qualify as aggravated murder, which carries enhanced criminal penalties compared to standard murder charges.

Why is this important

Correctional officers face significant occupational hazards, and this legislation treats violence against them with the same legal gravity as violence against law enforcement. The change could serve as both a deterrent and provide enhanced sentencing options for prosecutions involving correctional staff deaths.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope definition: Questions about whether the protection applies only to on-duty officers, specific facility types, or all correctional settings, and how "performance of duties" is legally defined
  • Consistency with other professions: Debate over why correctional officers receive this status while other high-risk professions (healthcare workers, social workers, security guards) may not
  • Sentencing impact: Fiscal analyses indicate increased incarceration costs; concerns about whether enhanced penalties meaningfully deter crimes versus increasing prison population and budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.