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HB 294

Malicious bodily injury to correctional officers; penalties.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mitchell Cornett

HB 294 increases criminal penalties for assaulting correctional officers in Virginia, strengthening workplace protections and potential deterrents against institutional violence incidents.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB294)
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Bill Summary · HB 294

Legislative bill overview

HB 294 modifies Virginia law to establish or enhance criminal penalties for causing malicious bodily injury to correctional officers. The bill appears to create stricter sentencing guidelines or define new offense categories specifically targeting violence against incarcerated persons' custodians during their official duties.

Why is this important

Correctional officers face elevated workplace violence risks, and enhanced penalties aim to deter assaults and improve officer safety. This directly affects both institutional security operations and sentencing policy, influencing corrections budgets and the Virginia criminal justice system's approach to officer protection.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing disparity concerns: Enhanced penalties for assaulting correctional officers may create questions about whether similar violence against other public servants (teachers, social workers, nurses) receives equivalent legal protection, raising equity issues
  • Incarcerated persons' due process: Depending on implementation, stricter penalties could affect incarcerated individuals' ability to defend themselves during altercations or face disproportionate charges for self-defense incidents
  • Fiscal impact ambiguity: The two separate fiscal impact statements (from VCSC and Department of Planning and Budget) suggest cost implications for corrections operations and prison population that remain under legislative review

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

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