Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin has signed a slew of bills into law that will be going into effect next month.
These four laws will be going into effect on July 1.
Penalties for placing Nazi symbols on property to threaten or intimidate people
This law creates a Class 6 felony for anyone who places a Hakenkreuz, hooked cross or Nazi symbols or swastikas on someone’s private property without consent to threaten or intimidate someone.
The same charge will go towards anyone who places the symbols on public property or on a highway in a way that would make someone feel scared that they might be hurt or killed.
Speed cameras in school crossing zones
This law requires that if a speed camera catches a driver speeding in a school crossing zone, the documentation captured needs to show a school zone sign – a blinking light, portable sign or tilt-over sign – is clearly visible and active at the time.
This is so that the evidence from the camera can be used in court to officially support a speeding ticket.
Penalties for drivers not stopping for pedestrians on the highway
It will now be a traffic violation if a driver does not stop for pedestrians on the highway.
The violation becomes a Class 1 misdemeanor charge if the failure to stop causes a vulnerable road user to get hurt or die while they are legally crossing the highway.
Involuntary manslaughter charge for certain drug offenses
This new law will charge anyone with involuntary manslaughter if they knowingly make, sell or distribute a drug with any amount of fentanyl that kills someone, even if the death was unintentional.
If someone simply gives the drug as an accommodation and not for sale, and that person dies, however, then the distributor won’t be charged with involuntary manslaughter. They may still be charged with a Class 6 felony.
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