Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 624: Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia", penalty.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 624 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia", penalty. Primary sponsor: Saddam Salim (Democratic). It lists 17 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 2, 2026): Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N).
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia"; penalty. Defines "Islamophobia" as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims. This definition applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith. The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam. The bill directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of "Islamophobia" in its hate crime reporting central repository.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 16
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saddam Salim | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 37 |
| Lashrecse Aird | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 13 |
| Jennifer Boysko | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 38 |
| Nadarius Clark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 84 |
| Josh Cole | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 65 |
| Kelly Fowler | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 96 |
| Jennifer Carroll Foy | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 33 |
| Cliff Hayes | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 91 |
| J.R. Henson | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| Michael J. Jones | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Michelle Lopes Maldonado | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Marty Martinez | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 29 |
| Stella Pekarsky | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 36 |
| Sam Rasoul | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Atoosa Reaser | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 27 |
| Irene Shin | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 8 |
| Kannan Srinivasan | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 32 |
| Schuyler VanValkenburg | Co-sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N)
- Senate committee offered
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (1/20/2026 4:32 pm)
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104940D