20102314D
HOUSE BILL NO. 252
Offered January 8, 2020
Prefiled December 30, 2019
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-371.01, relating to causing or encouraging acts rendering children sexually abused; penalty.
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Patron-- Watts
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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-371.01 as follows:

§18.2-371.01. Causing or encouraging acts rendering children sexually abused; penalty.

Any person 18 years of age or older who (i) (a) has physical custody of a minor, (b) allows a minor to reside at his residence, (c) is in a position of trust or authority over a minor, or (d) is the temporary caretaker of a minor; (ii) is more than three years older than such minor; and (iii) willfully contributes to, encourages, or causes any act, omission, or condition that results in any sexual act upon the minor in violation of the law is guilty of a Class 4 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 854 of the Acts of Assembly of 2019 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 is $0 for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.