SB 1446: Human smuggling; penalties.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Human smuggling; penalties. Makes it a Class 6 felony for any person who, with the intent to obtain a pecuniary benefit, knowingly and with the intent to evade the immigration laws of the United States uses a motor vehicle, aircraft, watercraft, or other means of conveyance to transport another person in or through the Commonwealth and knows or should have known that such person being transported is likely to be exploited for the financial gain of another. The bill provides that any person who commits human smuggling (i) in a manner that creates a substantial likelihood that the individual being smuggled will suffer serious bodily injury or death, (ii) by smuggling a child younger than 18 years of age at the time of the offense, or (iii) while knowingly possessing a firearm during the commission of the offense is guilty of a Class 3 felony. The bill also provides that any person who commits human smuggling and as a direct result of the commission of the offense the individual being smuggled (a) became a victim of human trafficking, commercial sex trafficking, sexual assault, or aggravated sexual assault or (b) suffered serious bodily injury or death is guilty of a Class 2 felony.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. January 27, 2025Stricken at request of Patron in Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N)
2. January 24, 2025Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB1446)
3. January 22, 2025Impact statement from VCSC (SB1446)
4. January 17, 2025Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
5. January 17, 2025Presented and ordered printed 25103943D