Today, House Bill 434 was reported unanimously (8-0) from the Courts of Justice Subcommittee and is now headed to the full committee for consideration. 

Delegate Briana Sewell (D-51st House District) released the following statement: “The work is far from over, but today was the first step in expanding protections for victims of sexual assault.”

“I introduced House Bill 434 to eliminate an existing loophole that may cause further harm to victims of sexual violence. The constituent who inspired the bill was 12 years old at the time of the incident and had to fight off a sexual assault from a 37-year-old man. A simple word choice used in testimony prevented this victim from receiving justice.”

“We cannot continue the cycle of denying justice due to technicalities. I am grateful that my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, saw the need for this bill and voted in favor to expand protections. Together, we have the opportunity to make the Commonwealth of Virginia a safer place for all.”