A BILL to amend and reenact § 18.2-35 of the Code of Virginia, relating to voluntary manslaughter; penalty.
HB102 amends Virginia Code § 18.2-35, which governs punishment for voluntary manslaughter. The bill keeps voluntary manslaughter classified as a Class 5 felony and restates the existing sentencing range: one to 20 years in a state correctional facility, or, at the discretion of the jury or court in a bench trial, up to 12 months in jail and/or a fine of up to $2,500.
The bill also includes a fiscal-impact statement noting that it may increase periods of imprisonment or commitment, which could create additional costs for the state and for juvenile justice placements. The measure was referred to the House Committee for Courts of Justice and ultimately left in committee, so it did not advance to become law in the available record.
If enacted, HB102 would amend the statutory penalty provision for voluntary manslaughter in § 18.2-35 of the Code of Virginia, preserving the offense as a Class 5 felony while reaffirming the available incarceration, jail, and fine penalties. The bill’s fiscal note indicates a possible net increase in imprisonment or juvenile commitment, which could affect appropriations for the Department of Corrections and the Department of Juvenile Justice, though the exact cost cannot be determined from the bill text.
The available record shows little overt debate or recorded voting, but the bill’s treatment suggests limited legislative momentum. Because it was left in the House Committee for Courts of Justice and no committee transcript or vote tally is provided, the overall sentiment appears neutral to cautious rather than strongly supportive or opposed.
The main point of potential contention is the bill’s criminal-justice impact: by addressing punishment for voluntary manslaughter, it could contribute to longer incarceration or commitment periods and associated state costs. Supporters would likely view the measure as a clarification or reaffirmation of sentencing law, while opponents or fiscal skeptics may focus on the possibility of increased prison and juvenile justice expenditures. No specific arguments from committee discussion are available in the record.