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Bill

HB 675

Va. School for the Deaf & the Blind, Board of Visitors of the; authority to establish campus police.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Runion

Authorizes Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind to establish its own campus police force for on-campus security and law enforcement services.

Left in Finance and Appropriations
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Bill Summary · HB 675

Legislative bill overview

HB 675 authorizes the Board of Visitors of the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind to establish and operate a campus police force. The bill grants the board authority to create law enforcement positions to provide security and police services on school property.

Why is this important

Campus safety is a significant concern for educational institutions, and dedicated police forces can provide immediate emergency response and security oversight. For a specialized residential school serving deaf and blind students, having tailored law enforcement could address specific safety needs and accessibility considerations for this vulnerable population.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost and fiscal impact: Establishing a police department requires substantial funding for personnel, training, equipment, and ongoing operations—which is why the bill has remained in Finance and Appropriations for extended review
  • Oversight and accountability: Questions about whether a school-based police force would be adequately supervised, trained to interact with deaf and blind students, and subject to the same accountability standards as municipal police
  • Scope of authority: Ambiguity about police jurisdiction boundaries—whether authority extends only to campus grounds or nearby areas, and how this coordinates with local law enforcement

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

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