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Bill

HB 989

Sexual abuse of children; penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Tom Garrett

HB 989 modifies criminal penalties for child sexual abuse in Virginia, with fiscal implications for corrections and sentencing requiring judicial committee review.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB989)
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Bill Summary · HB 989

Legislative bill overview

HB 989 modifies Virginia's criminal penalties for sexual abuse of children. The bill has been referred to the Committee for Courts of Justice and has generated fiscal impact statements from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission (VCSC) and Department of Planning and Budget, suggesting it involves sentencing or resource implications.

Why is this important

Changes to child sexual abuse penalties directly affect prosecution outcomes, potential prison populations, and victim protections. Fiscal impact statements indicate the bill has budgetary consequences, likely related to corrections capacity or law enforcement resources needed to implement the legislation.

Potential points of contention

  • Sentencing severity vs. proportionality: Whether increased penalties appropriately balance deterrence with constitutional proportionality concerns
  • Prison capacity and costs: The multiple fiscal impact statements suggest significant budget implications for Virginia's correctional system
  • Retroactivity questions: Whether enhanced penalties would apply to existing convictions, raising due process considerations

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

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