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Bill

HB 148

Children; seizure, etc., of property used in connection with exploitation and solicitation.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Will Davis and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia bill authorizes courts to seize and forfeit property connected to child exploitation crimes, expanding asset forfeiture authority with dual purposes of punishment and potential victim compensation.

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
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Bill Summary · HB 148

Legislative bill overview

HB 148 authorizes Virginia courts to seize and forfeit property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children. The bill expands asset forfeiture mechanisms to apply to crimes involving child exploitation, allowing law enforcement to permanently confiscate vehicles, real estate, and other assets connected to these offenses.

Why is this important

Child exploitation is among the most serious crimes, and asset forfeiture creates additional financial consequences for perpetrators while potentially generating resources for victim services. However, this bill significantly expands government seizure powers, which raises due process concerns and requires careful implementation to prevent abuse.

Potential points of contention

  • Asset forfeiture safeguards: Civil asset forfeiture historically allows property seizure with lower legal standards than criminal conviction; the bill's specific protections (or lack thereof) for innocent property owners and due process rights are critical
  • Scope of "used in connection with": The definition determines whether only directly-used items (phones, vehicles) or tangentially-related property (family homes, shared devices) can be seized, affecting collateral damage to innocent family members
  • Funding and allocation: Unclear how forfeited assets will be managed and whether proceeds benefit general coffers or dedicated victim services, affecting incentive structures for law enforcement prioritization

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

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