VA SB144

Expands the definition of "judge" in Virginia's assault and battery statute to include district court judges under temporary recall pursuant to § 16.1-69.22:1

Assault or battery against a judge while performing public duties constitutes a Class 6 felony with a mandatory minimum sentence of six months confinement

The change ensures district court temporary recall judges receive the same enhanced legal protections already afforded to other judges, magistrates, law enforcement officers, and correctional officers

The Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission assigned a minimum fiscal impact of $50,000 for potential increased imprisonment periods resulting from this expansion