PRESS RELEASE - February 14, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 14, 2006

IAQUINTO BILL TO PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL PREDATORS PASSES BOTH HOUSES OF GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Richmond- A new version of a bill regarding parental rights by Delegate Sal R. Iaquinto (R-84), passed both Houses of the General Assembly today. HB 903 provides for the termination of rights of a parent convicted of sexual assault or murder of a child. The bill was a collaborative effort between the House and the Senate that, rather than terminating all parental rights, would allow the custodial parent to continue to collect child support and other financial provisions for the children, while disallowing the convicted felon visitation rights and custody or influence in the raising of the children.

This bill was introduced after Iaquinto learned of a Virginia Beach parent who is currently challenging her spouse, a convicted child molester, as he attempts, from prison, to exercise control over their children whom he had molested. Currently serving an 80-year sentence, the convicted felon is still insisting on visitation rights. Because the children were not remanded to foster care, social services could not get involved, and therefore the felon’s rights could not be terminated by the state.

"This bill brings a major but necessary shift in public policy," said Iaquinto. "Currently, Virginia code does not allow the rights of a parent to end while still requiring them to provide financially for the child. Once this becomes law, we will be able to protect children from being harassed by the scourge of the earth without forcing them to suffer financially," he said.

Betty Wade Coyle, chairwoman of the advocacy group Prevent Child Abuse Hampton Roads, was one of the advocates of this bill. "HB 903 corrects a major lapse in current law by better protecting children of criminal parents who have committed serious crimes against their family members."

Iaquinto represents the 84th House District in Virginia Beach, formerly held by Attorney General Bob McDonnell. This session is his first in the General Assembly.

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