Bill Text: VA HB1332 | 2022 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Correctional facility; intentionally covering, removing, etc., a security camera, penalty.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Passed) 2022-04-11 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0673) [HB1332 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2022-HB1332-Introduced.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-473.2 as follows:
§18.2-473.2. Covering a security camera in a correctional facility; penalty.
A. As used in this section, "security camera" means an analog or digital photographic or video camera or other device capable of recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image that has been installed in a state or local correctional facility or any juvenile correctional center.
B. Any person, other than a law-enforcement officer as defined in §9.1-101, jail officer as defined in §53.1-1, correctional officer as defined in §53.1-1, or other custodial officer in charge of the incarcerated persons or in charge of the persons committed to the Department of Juvenile Justice, who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera without the permission of the sheriff, jail superintendent, warden, or Director of the Department of Corrections or Department of Juvenile Justice is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor.
C. Any person who intentionally covers, removes, damages, renders inoperable, or otherwise obscures a security camera with the intent of inhibiting or preventing a security camera from recording or transmitting a photograph, motion picture, or other digital image of the commission of a felony is guilty of a Class 6 felony.
2. That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to §30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities; therefore, Chapter 552 of the Acts of Assembly of 2021, Special Session I, requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to assign a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000. Pursuant to §30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
