RICHMOND, VA (CVILLERIGHTNOW) – A bill expanding benefits under the Line of Duty Act to private police departments has passed both chambers of the Virginia General Assembly and now heads to Governor Glenn Youngkin’s desk for approval.

Senate Bill 1142, sponsored by Senator Mark Obenshain (R-Rockingham), allows private police departments, including those at private colleges and universities, to opt into the Line of Duty Act benefit plan. The legislation provides coverage similar to public police departments for officers killed or disabled in the line of duty. Obenshain has introduced versions of the bill for three consecutive sessions, gaining bipartisan support this year. The measure received backing from the Virginia Chiefs of Police Association and the Council on Independent Colleges in Virginia.

The bill was influenced by incidents such as the 2022 fatal shooting of Bridgewater College officers John Painter and J.J. Jefferson and the 2023 death of Wintergreen Police Officer Chris Wagner. The legislation is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

A companion House bill, HB 1815, sponsored by Delegate Ellen Campbell (R-Rockbridge), is set to go before the Senate in the coming days.