A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 52-6.2, relating to Virginia State Police; Executive Protection Division; security and transportation duties.
Summary
SB287 amends Virginia law governing the Division of Capitol Police. The substitute bill expands and clarifies the Capitol Police’s authority to provide security for certain constitutional and legislative officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, Speaker of the House of Delegates, and President pro tempore of the Senate. It also states that Capitol Police officers may accompany those individuals for security purposes unless the individual waives the protection.
The bill also revises the Capitol Police’s jurisdiction and powers in several situations. It preserves and restates existing authority over Capitol Square and other state property, extends jurisdiction 300 feet beyond protected property, and confirms concurrent jurisdiction in Richmond and in certain other localities when requested for canine detection assistance. It further authorizes Capitol Police to act with full law-enforcement authority when accompanying specified officials, serving legislative summonses, or handling theft or misappropriation involving General Assembly members or employees. The bill also allows the Division of Capitol Police to enter into contracts or agreements necessary to carry out its duties.
Impact
The bill would amend and reenact Section 30-34.2:1 of the Code of Virginia, expanding the statutory duties, jurisdiction, and operational authority of the Division of Capitol Police. It would affect how security is provided to high-ranking state officials and how Capitol Police coordinate with local law enforcement, while also reinforcing their authority on state property and in related enforcement situations. The bill could also affect legislative and executive branch security practices and the scope of police powers exercised outside Capitol Square.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have received mixed-to-supportive committee treatment. It was reported from the Senate Committee for Courts of Justice on a 12-3 vote, suggesting some support but also some reservations, and later was continued in Finance and Appropriations on a unanimous 15-0 vote rather than advanced to final passage. The lack of recorded transcript discussion limits insight into detailed debate, but the votes indicate the proposal was not broadly opposed at the committee level, even though it did not move forward in the session.
Contention
The main points of contention likely centered on the expansion of Capitol Police authority and the mandatory security provision for certain officials. Questions may have involved whether the Division should be required to accompany named officers, the breadth of concurrent jurisdiction beyond state property, and the use of Capitol Police resources for executive and legislative protection. The 12-3 vote in Courts of Justice suggests some members may have been concerned about scope, cost, or overlap with local law enforcement, while the later continuation in Finance and Appropriations suggests fiscal or prioritization issues may have also played a role.