Many people do not think that taking one’s own life is a criminal offense. They are more likely to consider it a moral or ethical offense. However, there is an old law on the books in Virginia that taking one’s own life is considered a common-law crime. That’s why insurance companies do not pay after that happens.
Push to get rid of Virginia law
If House Bill 81, submitted by Delegate Marcus Simon, D-Fairfax, passes, it would get rid of the legal designation of taking one’s own life as a common-law crime in Virginia.
Simon argued that criminalization could have detrimental impacts on surviving parents and spouses by barring them from collecting insurance and claiming tax benefits.
Status of HB 81
A previous version of Simon’s bill passed the House. It was ultimately tabled over concerns and sent to the Senate Committee on Judiciary. On February 17, 2021, the bill was defeated in the Senate with a vote of only 5 for it and 10 against it.
On February 1, 2024, House Bill 81 passed 62-37. It must still be approved by the Senate and signed into law by Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin.