House Bill 294 and House Bill 295 because both measures directly strengthen public safety and protect the rule of law. Correctional officers operate in one of the most dangerous environments in our criminal justice system. They maintain order among individuals who have already demonstrated a willingness to disregard the law. When violent attacks against correctional officers are not clearly and forcefully deterred, the risk extends beyond the jail walls to other officers, inmates, and ultimately the public. HB 294 ensures meaningful felony consequences for malicious bodily injury against correctional officers, providing clarity for prosecutors and deterrence for offenders. HB 295 appropriately recognizes that the intentional, premeditated killing of a correctional officer is among the most serious crimes imaginable and must carry the strongest penalties available under Virginia law. These bills are not symbolic. They are practical tools that help prosecutors protect those who protect society and reinforce that violence against public servants will be met with firm accountability. For these reasons, I respectfully urge passage of HB 294 and HB 295. Respectfully, Phillip L. Blevins, Jr. Commonwealth's Attorney

The attached letter is from the Grayson County Commonwealth's Attorney, Brandon R. Boyles. Supporting HB294 and HB295 by Delegate Cornett, and highlighting the disparities in the Code when determining appropriate charges as it relates to the crimes of Aggravated Murder and Malicious Wounding in the view of Corrections Officers.