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SB 1446

Human smuggling; penalties.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Luther Cifers

SB 1446 would have established criminal penalties for human smuggling in Virginia but was withdrawn by its sponsor before committee consideration.

Stricken at request of Patron in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N)
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Bill Summary · SB 1446

Legislative bill overview

SB 1446 proposes to establish or modify penalties for human smuggling offenses in Virginia. The bill was introduced by Luther Cifers and referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice but was subsequently stricken (withdrawn) at the patron's request on January 27, 2025, after fiscal and criminal justice impact statements were completed.

Why is this important

Human smuggling legislation addresses a serious federal and state crime involving the transportation of individuals across borders or within territories, typically for exploitation or profit. Criminal penalties directly affect law enforcement's ability to prosecute these crimes and deter potential offenders, while also impacting the state's criminal justice and incarceration systems.

Potential points of contention

  • Penalty severity vs. prosecutorial practicality: Determining appropriate felony classifications and sentencing ranges that balance deterrence without overburdening courts and prisons
  • Distinction from related crimes: Clarifying how human smuggling charges differ from human trafficking, immigration violations, and kidnapping to avoid redundancy or inconsistent enforcement
  • Fiscal impact concerns: The Department of Planning and Budget's fiscal impact statement likely identified costs for enforcement, prosecution, and corrections that may have influenced the patron's decision to withdraw the bill

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

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