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Bill

SB 55

Sex offenses; prohibiting proximity to children on premises of state parks, penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Christie Craig and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia law prohibits sex offenders from entering state park premises, creating enforceable criminal penalties for violations to protect children in public recreational spaces.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 55

Legislative bill overview

SB 55 prohibits individuals convicted of sex offenses from being present on the premises of state parks in Virginia. The bill establishes this as a criminal penalty, creating a new offense for violators of this proximity restriction.

Why is this important

This legislation aims to protect children in public recreational spaces by restricting access for those with sex offense convictions. State parks are frequently visited by families and children, making this a high-traffic area where such restrictions could have meaningful practical effects on public safety measures.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and enforcement challenges: Defining "premises" and monitoring compliance across numerous state parks could prove resource-intensive; questions arise about how violations would be detected and enforced
  • Constitutional and collateral consequences concerns: Restrictions on access to public spaces for convicted individuals raise questions about post-sentence rehabilitation, due process, and whether blanket prohibitions are narrowly tailored enough to survive legal challenge
  • Practical implementation gaps: The bill's current form (as introduced) may lack clarity on whether restrictions apply to all sex offenses equally, how long restrictions persist, and exceptions for employment or unavoidable circumstances

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

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