2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101288D

HOUSE BILL NO. 102

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 2, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-35 of the Code of Virginia, relating to voluntary manslaughter; penalty.

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Patrons—Ballard and Davis

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 18.2-35 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 18.2-35. How voluntary manslaughter punished.

Voluntary manslaughter is punishable as a Class 5 felony by imprisonment in a state correctional facility for not less than one year nor more than 20 years or, in the discretion of the jury or court trying the case without a jury, by confinement in jail for a period not exceeding 12 months or a fine of not more than $2,500, either or both.

2. That the provisions of this act may result in a net increase in periods of imprisonment or commitment. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of imprisonment in state adult correctional facilities; therefore, Chapter 725 of the Acts of Assembly of 2025 requires the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission to assign a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000. Pursuant to § 30-19.1:4 of the Code of Virginia, the estimated amount of the necessary appropriation cannot be determined for periods of commitment to the custody of the Department of Juvenile Justice.