Transfer bills postponed

After lengthy debate at today’s subcommittee meeting, the various transfer bills before the Senate have been postponed for later consideration.

Sens. Edwards and McDougle will be discussing a mechanism by which to reconcile their various bills with the hope of getting a unanimous recommendation by Monday afternoon’s hearing.

Many members of the subcommittee, including Sen. Deeds and Sen. McDougle, indicated a reluctance to proceed on these measures before the Crime Commission finishes their study on the issue.

SB 530: Gang recruitment, penalties

SB530 is offered to amend § 18.2-46.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the penalties for gang recruitment. The bill provides that any person who uses a telephone or any other form of electronic communication to solicit, invite, or encourage someone to join a gang is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

Patron: Sen. McDougle

Committee: Courts of Justice

Courts sub: Criminal

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SB 389: Juvenile Transfer Offenses

SB389 is offered to amend the juvenile transfer statute found in § 16.1-269.1 of the Code of Virginia. SB389 would require the juvenile be transferred to circuit court by legislative waiver if charged with an act of violence as defined in § 19.297.1 and had been previously adjudicated delinquent for an offense defined as act of violence in § 19.2-297.1.

SB389 would also add a list of drug related offenses that would allow the attorney for the Commonwealth to file the juvenile’s case directly in circuit court as long as the juvenile has previously been adjudicated delinquent for the same charge.

Patron: Sen. McDougle

Committee: Courts of Justice

Assigned Courts sub: Criminal

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