Virginia Democrats Push Bill to Eliminate Mandatory Minimum Sentences for Rape, Manslaughter, Child Pornography, and Other Violent Crimes

Virginia Democrats have introduced House Bill 863 (HB 863), which seeks to remove mandatory minimum prison sentences for a slew of serious offenses, including rape, manslaughter, child pornography possession and distribution, assault on law enforcement officers, and repeat violent felonies.

The bill, sponsored by Democrat Delegate Rae Cousins, was filed shortly after the new Democrat-controlled General Assembly convened under Governor Abigail Spanberger.

The legislation amends over 30 sections of the Virginia Code...