HB688Introduced in the House of Delegates
Children; seizure of audio and visual equipment, etc., in connection with solicitation, etc.
Introduced by Eric Zehr, District 51
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children. Provides that all audio and visual equipment, electronic equipment, devices, and other personal property used in connection with the possession, production, distribution, publication, sale, possession with intent to distribute, or making of child pornography, or in connection with the solicitation of a person less than 18 years of age, in violation of current law, shall be subject to lawful seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth by order of the court trying the case. The bill also (i) requires the court to order the destruction of all such equipment, devices, and other personal property, (ii) requires certain information to be provided by the law-enforcement agency responsible for the destruction, (iii) prohibits destruction of such items to be used in a criminal prosecution until all rights of appeal have been exhausted, and (iv) requires the law-enforcement agency to provide notice, by first-class mail, to the accused or other interested party, if known, and his attorney at least seven days prior to the destruction of the time and place the destruction will occur.
Where it stands
Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote)
January 28, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of DelegatesStage: Subcommittee recommends incorporating (9-Y 0-N) · January 26, 2026
9
Yes
0
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
10 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Karrie Delaney | 9 | Yes |
| Vivian Watts | 14 | Yes |
| Will Davis | 39 | Yes |
| Wren Williams | 47 | Yes |
| Madison Whittle | 49 | Absent |
| Katrina Callsen | 54 | Yes |
| Leslie Chambers Mehta | 73 | Yes |
| Charlie Schmidt | 77 | Yes |
| Rae Cousins | 79 | Yes |
| Phil Hernandez | 94 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103500D
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
Subcommittee recommends incorporating (9-Y 0-N)
Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote)
Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote)
Verify the information
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