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HB 2363

Corrections, Dept. of; designated employees with same power as sheriff or law-enforcement officer.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Eric Phillips and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill grants select DOC employees full law enforcement powers equivalent to sheriffs, expanding correctional authority beyond facilities with oversight and training questions unresolved.

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Bill Summary · HB 2363

Legislative bill overview

HB 2363 would grant certain designated employees of the Virginia Department of Corrections the same law enforcement powers as sheriffs and sworn police officers. This would expand the arrest authority and enforcement capabilities of specific DOC staff members beyond typical correctional officer duties to include off-premises law enforcement functions.

Why is this important

This proposal directly affects public safety authority, officer safety, and correctional operations. It could enable faster response to crimes involving DOC employees or escapees and potentially allow cost-effective use of existing personnel, but it also raises questions about training standards, oversight, and scope of authority expansion.

Potential points of contention

  • Training and liability standards: Whether DOC employees receive equivalent law enforcement training to sworn officers and who bears liability for actions taken under expanded authority
  • Scope creep concerns: Whether "designated employees" with full sheriff-equivalent powers could operate beyond correctional contexts with insufficient oversight
  • Fiscal impact: The January 31st fiscal impact statement suggests budgetary implications that may not align with stated intent, and the subcommittee's 4-2 recommendation to table suggests cost or implementation concerns
  • Due process and accountability: Whether proper mechanisms exist to review and limit these expanded powers, particularly given the bill's vague definition of "designated employees"

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

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