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HB 369

Sexual misconduct policies; SCHEV to convene task force on combating violence, civil penalty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Dan Helmer and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill directs SCHEV to establish task force combating campus sexual misconduct and imposes civil penalties on noncompliant higher education institutions.

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Bill Summary · HB 369

Legislative bill overview

HB 369 directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to convene a task force focused on developing and implementing policies to combat sexual violence and misconduct on college campuses. The bill also establishes civil penalties for institutions that fail to comply with sexual misconduct policies and reporting requirements.

Why is this important

Sexual misconduct on college campuses affects student safety, institutional accountability, and survivors' access to justice. This bill attempts to strengthen enforcement mechanisms beyond federal Title IX requirements and create statewide coordination on a persistent public health issue affecting Virginia's higher education system.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and implementation burden: Institutions may argue that new compliance requirements and civil penalties create unfunded mandates without sufficient state resources or technical support
  • Scope of task force authority: Unclear whether SCHEV recommendations would be mandatory or advisory, and what enforcement power the state would have over private institutions
  • Definition and consistency issues: "Sexual violence and misconduct" can be defined broadly; standardizing definitions across diverse institutions may prove difficult without detailed regulatory language
  • Civil penalty structure: The bill lacks specifics on penalty amounts, which could affect whether institutions view them as meaningful deterrents or administrative overhead

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

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