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HB 2236

Va. Criminal Sentencing Commission; use of Virginia crime code in documents for jailable offenses.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Rae Cousins

Virginia requires its Criminal Sentencing Commission to include Virginia crime code citations in official jailable offense documents, effective July 1, 2025.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0402)
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Bill Summary · HB 2236

Legislative bill overview

HB 2236 requires Virginia's Criminal Sentencing Commission to include references to the Virginia crime code in official documents related to jailable offenses. The bill establishes a standardized practice for citing applicable criminal statutes when documenting offenses that carry potential jail time.

Why is this important

Consistent citation of crime codes in sentencing and legal documents improves transparency and clarity in the criminal justice system, helping defendants, attorneys, judges, and the public understand exactly which statutes apply to specific charges. This administrative standardization can reduce confusion and potential legal errors stemming from unclear or incomplete statutory references.

Potential points of contention

  • Administrative burden: The Sentencing Commission and courts may face increased workload in reviewing and updating documents to ensure consistent code citations
  • Scope ambiguity: The bill's language doesn't specify whether existing documents must be retroactively updated or only apply to new cases going forward
  • Practical impact unclear: The tangible benefit of this requirement remains uncertain—it's unclear whether current practices are actually causing documented problems in case outcomes or legal proceedings

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

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