Attorney General Miyares Announces Legislative Agenda for 2024 General Assembly Session
RICHMOND, VA – Attorney General Miyares has unveiled his legislative priorities for the upcoming 2024 General Assembly session. With a focus on bolstering the legal system, protecting victims' rights, and providing greater safeguards for vulnerable communities, Attorney General Miyares aims to create a safer and brighter future for all Virginians.
In a statement, Attorney General Miyares emphasized the importance of addressing bipartisan issues that impact the lives of Virginians. He expressed his commitment to combatting the opioid epidemic, human trafficking, and reducing violent crime. He stated, "I am committed to tackling the pressing challenges Virginians face daily and keeping my promises made on day one to make Virginia the safest place to live, work, and raise a family."
Delegate Mike Cherry, from the 74th District, voiced his support for Attorney General Miyares' strategic approach to combating human trafficking. Cherry highlighted the need to eradicate this "multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to millions and preys on the most vulnerable in our society." He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure a legal framework that effectively combats human trafficking.
Loudoun County Sheriff Mike Chapman praised Attorney General Miyares for his efforts in making Virginia a safer place to live and work. He commended Miyares' advocacy for public accountability, transparency, and aggressive pursuit of criminals, particularly those involved in distributing dangerous drugs such as fentanyl in communities and schools.
Senator Todd Pillion, representing the 6th District and Chair of the Opioid Abatement Authority, acknowledged the devastating impact of the drug crisis on individuals, families, and communities across Virginia. Pillion recognized the support needed to combat this issue and highlighted the importance of legislation that curbs the devastating impact of substance abuse in the Commonwealth.
Attorney General Miyares' legislative agenda includes several key bills aimed at strengthening protections for victims and combating various forms of crime. Some of the proposed legislation supported by the Attorney General includes:
- HB 379 (Cherry) – Adds the trafficking purchase or sale of a minor as a violent crime to ensure severe consequences for those who seek to exploit them.
- HB 633 (Cherry) – Establishes a labor trafficking statute, aligning state law with federal law and making it punishable as a Class 4 felony.
- HB 581 (Simonds) – Establishes Human Trafficking Response Teams in local Commonwealth’s Attorneys' offices to ensure effective handling of human trafficking cases.
- HB 290 (Ballard) / SB197 (Diggs) – Authorizes the Attorney General to conduct criminal prosecutions against child sexual assault offenders and cases of human trafficking involving children.
- Pending (Webert) / SB 265 (DeSteph) – Supports law enforcement by no longer requiring them to provide personally identifiable information when testifying in criminal cases.
- Pending (Wilt) – Expands the list of offenses that prohibit offenders from working or volunteering in public or private schools or daycares, safeguarding the safety of children.
- HB 635 (C. Obenshain) / SB208 (Diggs) – Allows victims to be notified or given release information of juveniles released or bonded from custody or commitment.
- Pending (Peake) – Ensures innocent victims are not revictimized by clarifying the eligibility for enhanced earned sentence credits for certain inchoate offenses.
- HB 308 (Ballard) – Expands the list of offenses that prohibit geriatric prisoners from petitioning the Parole Board for conditional release.
- HB 768 (Delaney) – Eases the burden of child victims testifying by expanding the age range for using closed-circuit television in criminal cases.
- Pending (Oates) – Provides emotional support persons for victims in rape shield motions.
- HB 155 (Green) – Removes the burden of proof from innocent victims of sexual assault to minors by eliminating the time required to apply for assistance from the Virginia Victims Fund.
- Pending (Hodges) / Pending (Pillion) – Adds Xylazine as a schedule III-controlled substance to combat emerging threats in the ongoing drug crisis.
- Pending (Freitas) – Establishes Victims of Communism Day and requires education on the dangers of communism in grades six through 12.
Attorney General Miyares' legislative agenda reflects a comprehensive and proactive approach to addressing key issues affecting Virginians. With a focus on protecting victims, combating crime, and creating a safer environment, these proposed bills aim to make Virginia the safest place to live, work, and raise a family.
For more information, please contact:
Victoria LaCivita
Media Relations
Phone: (804) 588-2021
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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To find out more, go to this link: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2668-january-11-2024-attorney-general-miyares-announces-legislative-agenda-for-2024-general-assembly-session