David Toscano

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Toscano Bill Adds Serious Misdemeanor Offenders to DNA Database

January 14, 2015 by Carmen Bingham

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Carmen M. Bingham
carmen@davidtoscano.com
Jan. 14, 2015

CHARLOTTESVILLE – Delegate David J. Toscano (D-57th District) filed a bill that would include several serious Class I misdemeanors to the list of offenses requiring a DNA sample to be submitted by an individual once convicted of the offense. Sheriff J.A. “Chip” Harding of Albemarle County has been a strong proponent of increasing the DNA database believing this would provide law enforcement an effective tool to prevent such tragic events as the death of Hannah Graham.

“I believe if law enforcement obtains DNA for serious convicted misdemeanors, we would triple the databank and get people early in their crime careers,” said Sheriff Harding. “Stopping a repeat offender early could prevent them from going on to commit much more heinous crimes.”

“If there is a way we can prevent another tragedy, then we should do it,” said Toscano. “Law enforcement should have every available tool to ensure our families and communities do not become victims of potential repeat offenders.”

House Bill 1617 would add ninety-nine Class I misdemeanors to the list of offenses that require a convicted offender to provide a DNA sample. Among these Class I misdemeanors are assault and battery, criminal trespass, reckless handling of firearms, maiming, killing or poisoning animals, harassment by computer, impersonating a law enforcement officer, identity theft, credit card fraud, DUI, prostitution, abuse and neglect of incapacitated adults, and indecent exposure. Most traffic offenses are excluded, as are offenses committed by juveniles, with the exception of three misdemeanor sex offenses– sexual battery, attempt to commit sexual battery and peeping. The Daily Progress recently reported on Delegate Toscano’s bill. The story can be found here: tinyurl.com/ToscanoDNA

In addition to these bills, Delegate Toscano has introduced HB2139, a bill that requires reporting of felony criminal sexual assaults at institutions of higher education. Another bill directs institutions of higher education to note on the transcript of a student dismissed from their institution for violation of the institution’s sexual misconduct policy.

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Filed Under: News, Press Releases Tagged With: DNA Database Expansion

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Press Releases

Toscano Statement on House and Senate Republicans’ Votes to Adjourn the Special Session

July 9, 2019

Toscano Statement on House and Senate Republicans’ Votes to Adjourn the Special Session on Gun Violence Prevention until November 18

RICHMOND –Following this afternoon’s surprise party-line votes which adjourned the Virginia General Assembly’s special session until November 18, 2019, Delegate David J. Toscano (D-57th District) released the following statement:

“House and Senate Republicans today showed Virginia that the only vote they are willing to take regarding gun violence protection is a vote to delay, delay, delay. In the face of clear support for action now, captured by multiple polls and embodied by the energetic activists who rallied at the Capitol today, they abdicated their responsibility to serve their constituents and the Commonwealth of Virginia in an appallingly cynical political move to push any votes off until after the November general election.

“I am disappointed but not surprised. Time and time again, whether it is about passing universal background checks for all gun purchases, or enacting measures that would permit a judge, after a hearing, to remove a gun from a person in a mental health crisis to prevent injury to self or others, the Republican leadership continues to stonewall and not even debate, much less pass, reasonable measures designed to reduce gun violence in the Commonwealth.”

Delegate Toscano is available today to the media for further comment.

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