Kilgore supports public safety legislation in Virginia House
Delegate Terry Kilgore lent his support Monday to a series of public safety initiatives introduced by Republicans in the Virginia House of Delegates that would increase penalties for certain crimes.
Kilgore, R-Gate City, expressed his support during a Policy Work Group press conference held by the House Republican Conference.
Kilgore, who serves on the 18-member House Courts of Justice and Criminal Law subcommittee where the various bills originated, said the new pieces of legislation would help better protect Virginians.
“One of the most important duties of government is protecting its citizens. The Republican caucus is the leader in Richmond when it comes to protecting children and families from the dangers of this world,” Kilgore said. “The issues my colleagues have laid out for you today are just a small number of the initiatives the General Assembly is working on this session to make sure every Virginian is as safe and secure as possible.”
Among the bills introduced, HB 968 would increase penalties for habitual drug traffickers, while HB 973 seeks to impose a mandatory life sentence on anyone convicted of raping a child under the age of 12.
Both bills were introduced by the subcommittee’s chairman, Delegate Rob Bell, R-Albermarle.
“Over the last two years, 228 children under the age of 12 have been victims of these horrific crimes,” Bell said in reference to HB 973. “Only 10 of these cases resulted in a life sentence, with a median sentence of only 13 years.”
HB 49 and HB 50, both introduced by Delegate Dave Albo, R-Fairfax, would increase jail time for those convicted of DUI/maiming and DUI/manslaughter, while HB 752, introduced by Delegate Ben Cline, R-Rockingham, would raise the penalty of assault and battery via strangulation in an attempt to curb the escalation of domestic violence cases.
Albo also introduced HB 751, which would make it a felony for gangs to solicit criminal acts or recruit new members through the use of the Internet, telephones or texting.
To comment, you must register and verify your email address by telephone.
Comments are the sole responsibility of the registered user participating in online discussions. You agree not to post comments off topic, abusive, obscene, defamatory, vulgar, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned.
Browse Premiere Local Businesses
