2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104241D

HOUSE BILL NO. 212

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 7, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 24.2-1000 of the Code of Virginia, relating to elections; election offenses; intimidation and threats toward election officials; penalty.

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Patrons—Gardner, Anthony, Carnegie, Clark, Henson, Hope, Keys-Gamarra, LeVere Bolling, Martinez, Price, Shin and Willett

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Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 24.2-1000 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 24.2-1000. Intimidation and threats toward election officials; penalty.

A. Any person who, by bribery, intimidation, threats, coercion, or other means in violation of the election laws willfully and, intentionally hinders or prevents, or attempts to hinder or prevent, an election official or the employee of an election official from administering elections pursuant to this title is guilty of a Class 5 felony.

B. For purposes of this section:

"Election official" includes members of the State Board of Elections, the Commissioner of Elections, members of local electoral boards, general registrars, deputy registrars, and officers of election.

"Employee of an election official" includes persons employed by the Department of Elections or in the office of a general registrar.

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.