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 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.