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HB 1159

Oral threat to kill or to do bodily harm; employees of local or state dept. of social serv. penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Cherry and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill establishing enhanced criminal penalties for oral threats targeting state and local social services department employees to improve workplace safety protections.

Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 2-N)
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Bill Summary · HB 1159

Legislative bill overview

HB 1159 establishes or modifies criminal penalties for making oral threats to kill or cause bodily harm specifically targeting employees of local or state departments of social services in Virginia. The bill aims to provide enhanced legal protection for social services workers who face threats while performing their duties.

Why is this important

Social services employees frequently interact with individuals experiencing crisis, substance abuse, mental health challenges, or child welfare involvement—situations that can escalate to threats or violence. Codifying specific protections for this workforce acknowledges workplace safety concerns and may deter threats directed at these vulnerable public employees.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and equal protection questions: Whether social services employees warrant distinct legal protections compared to other public employees (teachers, health workers, law enforcement) or if this creates unequal treatment under criminal law
  • Definitional clarity: How "oral threat" is legally defined to avoid overly broad prosecution of ambiguous statements while still protecting against genuine threats
  • Implementation and enforcement: Whether existing assault/threat statutes already provide sufficient protection, making this bill redundant or whether it addresses a genuine gap in current law

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

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