Warsaw, Virginia – Delegate Hillary Kent is pleased to announce three additional bills she sponsored have successfully passed both chambers of the Virginia Legislature and have now been signed into law by Governor Youngkin. These bills address critical issues affecting our community, and represent significant progress in our ongoing efforts to make Virginia the best place to live and work.In a statement, Kent said, “these bills represent bipartisan efforts to address challenges facing our state and underscore our commitment to the hard working people of Virginia.”
House Bill 928, a bill to protect commercial watermen while they are working in Virginia waters was signed by Governor Youngkin last week. This bill recognizes the importance of our state’s seafood industry by creating protections for commercial watermen and deterring unlawful interference. This new law will provide restitution against those who purposefully inhibit fishing and destroy the property of commercial watermen. It will reinforce the continued viability of our fishing and seafood industries, which are necessary to the economic and cultural fabric of the Northern Neck and all of the Commonwealth.
House Bill 1256 will allow grand larceny and embezzlement cases to be tried by prosecutors in the locality where the victim resides. In cases where it cannot be determined where a grand larceny or embezzlement crime took place, because it occurred online or because crimes occurred in multiple jurisdictions, this bill allows prosecutors to still seek justice as well as streamline charges. This newly signed legislation ensures victims have access to legal proceedings and it provides recourse to those affected.
Also signed by Governor Youngkin, a bill which updates the Department of Forensic Science’s DNA procedures and privacy regulations, HB 898. Keeping pace with advancements in forensic science, this legislation updates the Code of Virginia allowing modernized procedures by the Department of Forensic Science related to DNA analysis. Utilizing the latest methodologies and best practices, the Department can expedite the process of forensic evidence, enhancing our criminal justice system’s ability to analyze data and solve crimes.
Delegate Kent extends her appreciation to her colleagues in the legislature for their support of these important initiatives and is grateful for Governor Youngkin signing them into law. Kent went on to say, “I am pleased Governor Youngkin signed these notable bills and grateful for the opportunity to champion this important legislation for the Northern Neck and Caroline County and all of the Commonwealth.”
