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HB 2310

Use of communications system to expose sexual or genital parts to a child; penalty.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Will Davis and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia law criminalizes using communications systems to expose genitals to children, effective July 1, 2025, targeting digital sexual exploitation of minors.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0261)
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Bill Summary · HB 2310

Legislative bill overview

HB 2310 criminalizes the use of communications systems (such as video calls, messaging apps, or social media) to expose sexual or genital parts to a child. The bill establishes this as a specific offense with designated penalties and became effective July 1, 2025.

Why is this important

This addresses a form of child sexual exploitation that has grown with digital technology—often called "virtual indecent exposure" or "cyberflashing" directed at minors. The law provides prosecutors a direct statute to charge perpetrators of this conduct rather than relying on broader obscenity or child endangerment laws, potentially enabling more effective enforcement and victim protection.

Potential points of contention

  • First Amendment concerns: Free speech advocates may argue the law's scope could potentially capture protected speech or conduct, though child protection generally receives strong constitutional deference
  • Definitional precision: Questions about what constitutes "expose" via communication systems and whether intent/knowledge of recipient's age matters for all scenarios
  • Enforcement challenges: Practical difficulties proving the identity of perpetrators and jurisdiction in cases involving out-of-state actors, plus resource requirements for digital investigation

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

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