SB 827 (Howell) increases assessments made on defendants convicted of violating a statute or ordinance from $10 to $20. Revenue from the assessment shall be used for funding courthouse security personnel and, at the request of the sheriff, other security-related equipment and property. The salaries for security personnel come from the general fund, and increasing the cap on fees related to criminal or traffic cases help support localities who cannot properly fund certain security needs.
VACo and the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association spoke in support of the bill, which reported out of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, 11-4, and was rereferred to the Senate Finance Committee.
VACo Contact: Khaki LaRiviere