Subcommittee advances expansion of mandatory reporter duties to cover electronic solicitation and repeat offender presence

Senate Bill 556, presented by Senator Perry, would broaden mandatory-reporter obligations to cover some non-physical harms that are currently outside the statutory definition, including electronic solicitation of minors and knowledge that a registered sex offender is repeatedly present on school property despite restrictions.

Perry said the measure grew from cases in Fauquier County in which school staff were not required to report non-physical misconduct or knowledge that an offender was on campus, which delayed law enforcement involvement and led to loss of evidence. He said the bill would require mandatory reporters who know about these situations to notify law enforcement.

No public opposition was recorded in the room. The subcommittee voted to report SB556 and refer it to Appropriations for further review; clerk recorded a 7-0 recommendation to report.