VA HB148

Amends Virginia Code § 19.2-386.31 to require mandatory destruction of all equipment, devices, and personal property forfeited in connection with child exploitation, child pornography, or solicitation of minors under age 18

Courts must issue destruction orders specifying the nature, quantity, and location of seized property, the person from whom it was seized, and the manner of destruction

Law enforcement officers must file a sworn return reporting the time, place, and manner of destruction, which becomes part of the criminal case record and serves as prima facie evidence

Property used or intended for use as evidence in criminal prosecution cannot be destroyed until all appeal rights have been exhausted

Requires law enforcement to notify the accused and their attorney by first-class mail at least seven days before destruction occurs