Bill Text: VA HB1545 | 2020 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints; act of domestic terrorism enhancement.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2020-02-07 - Continued to 2021 in Courts of Justice by voice vote [HB1545 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2020-HB1545-Introduced.html
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 17.1-805.1 as follows:
§17.1-805.1. Discretionary sentencing guideline midpoints; act of domestic terrorism.
A. For purposes of this section, an act of domestic terrorism includes any violation that is an act of violence as defined in §19.2-297.1 or any felony violation of §18.2-52, 18.2-52.1, 18.2-53, 18.2-53.1, 18.2-56.1, 18.2-57, 18.2-83, 18.2-108.1, 18.2-121, 18.2-127, 18.2-128, 18.2-138, 18.2-186.4, 18.2-279, 18.2-282, 18.2-282.1, 18.2-289, 18.2-300, 18.2-308.1, 18.2-308.2, 18.2-308.2:01, 18.2-312, 18.2-423, 18.2-423.01, 18.2-423.1, or 18.2-423.2, with the intent to (i) intimidate or coerce a civilian population; (ii) influence the policy of a local, state, or federal government by intimidation or coercion; or (iii) disrupt the conduct or workings of a local, state, or federal government.
B. In addition to any increases in the midpoint of an initial recommended sentencing range calculated in accordance with § 17.1-805, the midpoint of the recommended sentencing range for any act of domestic terrorism shall be further increased by 200 percent in all cases.
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 cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.
