WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 329

Va. Sexual & Domestic Violence Victim fund; fee for offenses related to solicitation of minors, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Russet Perry

Virginia bill creates dedicated sexual/domestic violence victim fund financed by fees imposed on those convicted of soliciting minors and related offenses.

Senate committee offered
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 329

Legislative bill overview

SB 329 establishes a dedicated fund for sexual and domestic violence victims in Virginia by imposing additional fees on individuals convicted of offenses related to solicitation of minors and related crimes. The bill directs revenue from these fees into a specialized victim support fund managed by the state.

Why is this important

Sexual and domestic violence services rely on consistent funding to provide counseling, shelter, legal advocacy, and emergency assistance to survivors. This bill creates a revenue mechanism specifically tied to perpetrators of certain offenses, potentially generating sustainable funding without appropriating general tax dollars. The "user-pays" approach ties financial responsibility to those convicted of the targeted crimes.

Potential points of contention

  • Proportionality concerns: Whether additional criminal fees on offenders constitute excessive punishment or violate proportionality principles, particularly if fees are substantial
  • Funding reliability: Whether revenue from a limited category of offenses (solicitation of minors) will reliably fund comprehensive victim services across the broader sexual and domestic violence spectrum
  • Scope limitations: The bill appears narrowly focused on solicitation of minors offenses, potentially not capturing revenue from perpetrators of other sexual assault or domestic violence crimes that also harm victims needing services
  • Implementation costs: Whether administrative overhead for managing a dedicated fund reduces actual dollars reaching victims compared to general appropriations

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

Sign in to ask a question.