House approves fee to combat Internet crimes targeting children

By Michael Sluss

RICHMOND

The House of Delegates unanimously passed legislation Monday that adds a $10 fee to misdemeanor and felony convictions, with proceeds going to law enforcement efforts to combat Internet crimes targeting children.

The fee will generate $1.8 million annually to provide funding for two regional task forces and grants for local law enforcement agencies to train officers in investigating Internet crimes against children. The Senate already has passed the legislation (SB620).

Advocates for funding so-called “Alicia’s Law” enforcement made an aggressive push for a permanent revenue source after relying on sporadic funding from the General Assembly in previous years. They got an assist last week from 1970s TV star Erik Estrada, who visited the Capitol in support.