Bill Text: VA HB797 | 2018 | Regular Session | Chaptered

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Bill Title: Electronic visitation; state correctional facilities.

Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1-0)

Status: (Passed) 2018-03-02 - Governor: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0066) [HB797 Detail]

Download: Virginia-2018-HB797-Chaptered.html

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CHAPTER 66 An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 53.1-35.1, relating to electronic visitation; state correctional facilities. [H 797] Approved March 2, 2018

 

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 53.1-35.1 as follows:

§53.1-35.1. Electronic visitation and messaging with inmates; fees.

The Director is authorized to prescribe reasonable rules regarding electronic visitation systems or electronic messaging systems, including Voice-over-Internet Protocol technology and web-based communication systems, for communication between prisoners and third parties and collection of a fee for the system utilized. Any state correctional facility that utilizes such systems shall establish such system allowing for the security needs of the facility. Any state correctional facility that utilizes such system shall not prohibit in-person visitation.

This section does not apply to telephonic communication systems or to electronic video and audio communication systems used in judicial proceedings.