House Bill Increasing Abuse and Neglect Penalties Advances to Third Reading

The House of Delegates met this morning for Day 15 of the 87th Legislative Session.

No bills were up for passage today.

Three bills were on second reading today. Two bills advanced; House Bill 2354 had action postponed again.

House Bill 2123 increases the criminal penalties imposed on a parent, guardian, custodian, or person in a position of trust in child abuse resulting in injury and child abuse or neglect creating a risk of injury.

• Abuse causing bodily harm imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 2-10 years
• Abuse causing serious bodily harm imprisonment increased from 2-10 years to 5-15 years
• Abuse creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 2-10 years
• Second offense imprisonment increased from 1-3 years to 1-5 years
• Neglect creating a substantial risk of death or serious bodily injury imprisonment increased from 1-5 years to 1-10 years
• Subsequent felony offenses can result in twice the imprisonment and fine amount

House Bill 2047 prohibits cameras in the bedrooms or bathrooms of foster homes. The bill allows for a few exceptions. Baby monitors are allowed when age-appropriate or the child has a medical diagnosis of severe physical disabilities or behavior, cognitive, or psychological disorders. Medical equipment with or without cameras is allowed for a child who has a medical diagnosis of severe physical disabilities or behavior, cognitive, or psychological disorders. Any exempted equipment must be in clear view and not in a hidden location.

Bills introduced today can be found here.
Resolutions introduced today can be found here.

The House is adjourned until 11 a.m. tomorrow, February 27, 2025.

Committee Meetings, Today February 25

• The Subcommittee on Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Appropriations Subcommittee will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460 for a budget hearing.
• The Subcommittee on Educational Choice will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Government Administration will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Health Care Regulation will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Energy and Public Works will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Subcommittee on Public Health will meet at 4 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Economic Development will meet at 6 p.m. in Room 432M.

Committee Meetings, tomorrow February 26

• The Finance Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 460, and a budget hearing will follow the meeting.
• The Judiciary Committee will meet at 9 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Courts will meet at 10 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Legal Services will meet at 10:15 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Homeland Security will meet at 10:30 a.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Banking and Insurance will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Committee on Government Organization will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Public Education will meet at 1 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Higher Education will meet at 2 p.m. in Room 432M.
• The Subcommittee on Energy and Public Works will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 410.
• The Subcommittee on Revenue will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 460.
• The Subcommittee on Human Services will meet at 3 p.m. in Room 215E.
• The Subcommittee on Environment, Infrastructure, and Technology will meet at 5 p.m. in Room 432M.