Delegate introduces legislation to combat campus sexual assaults

RICHMOND Va. (WSLS 10) - On Monday, Delegate Eileen Filler-Corn (D-Springfield) introduced HB 1343, legislation requiring the reporting of campus sexual assaults by campus and local law enforcement to the local Commonwealth's Attorney within 48 hours of the reported incident.

If passed, officials say this legislation will advance an investigation of the case, while ensuring the proper course of action, due process and any necessary legal filings are completed when sexual assaults are reported to campus law enforcement. 

In a written release Albemarle County Commonwealth's Attorney Denise Lunsford stated, "Such notice will help assure that violators are held responsible for their actions and that they do not commit such crimes in the future by allowing for prompt investigation and collection of evidence as well as, if appropriate, prosecution of these crimes." 

Delegate Filler-Corn also added in a written release, "Our university system has long been a point of pride for us in Virginia and underpins our economic engine. However, the safety of all our students must be paramount. I know we can make the changes we need, but it will take all of us from parents, students, law enforcement and university officials working together to do it."