Sen. Perry sponsors legislation to increase support for child victims through expanded fund

Legislation newly sponsored by State Sen. Russet Perry seeks to extend resources for child victims of sexual and domestic violence by broadening the scope of the victim fund, information from the Virginia State Senate shows.

The measure, filed as SB329 on Jan. 14, 2026, for the 2026 regular session, carries the formal description: “Va. Sexual & Domestic Violence Victim fund; fee for offenses related to solicitation of minors, etc.”

This summary below relies on the official bill wording, with explanatory paraphrasing added for clarification.

The proposal widens the Virginia Sexual and Domestic Violence Victim Fund to offer targeted assistance for child victims. It clarifies allocation for prosecution and victim services across domestic and sexual violence cases, including those involving stalking and family abuse. Grants are directed to the Department of Criminal Justice Services for disbursement to prosecutors, police, civil legal service providers, sexual assault responders and hospitals—with special emphasis on forensic and nurse examiners serving rural or underserved communities. The bill institutes a $100 court fee upon conviction of certain child solicitation or indecent liberties violations, earmarked specifically for child victim service provisions in the fund.

Sen. Russet Perry (Democrat, 31st District) is the measure’s sole sponsor.

Perry has additionally introduced 20 other bills since this session convened.

Perry is an alumna of George Washington University and holds a JD from Georgetown University.

The Democrat was elected to the Virginia State Senate in 2024 to represent District 31, succeeding former senator Barbara Favola.

The lawmaking process in Virginia begins with a bill’s introduction in the House of Delegates or Senate, followed by referral to relevant committees for review and amendment. If report out of committee is successful, the bill proceeds to consideration and votes on the chamber floors. Passage by both bodies sends the measure to the governor, whose options include signing, vetoing or letting the bill take effect without a signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets every year in regular session starting the second Monday in January, during which legislators submit hundreds of measures though many do not become laws.