2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104673D

SENATE BILL NO. 631

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-51.1:1, relating to callous disregard for human life and probable consequences; penalties.

—————

Patron—Srinivasan

—————

Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

—————

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-51.1:1 as follows:

§ 18.2-51.1:1. Callous disregard for human life and probable consequences; penalties.

If a person commits a criminal offense in the Commonwealth and the conduct of such person was so gross, wanton, or culpable as to indicate a callous disregard for human life and for the probable consequences of his conduct, he is guilty of a Class 1 misdemeanor. If such person knew or should have known that the resulting consequences of his conduct would pose a greater risk to a law-enforcement officer, as defined in § 18.2-51.1, firefighter, as defined in § 65.2-102, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel, as defined in § 32.1-111.1, engaged in the performance of public duties as a law-enforcement officer, firefighter, search and rescue personnel, or emergency medical services personnel, he is guilty of a Class 6 felony.

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.