{"formats":[{"name":"JSON","format":"json","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-json\/53.1-30.json"},{"name":"Plain Text","format":"text","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-text\/53.1-30.txt"},{"name":"XML","format":"xml","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-xml\/53.1-30.xml"},{"name":"HTML","format":"html","url":"\/downloads\/2025\/code-html\/53.1-30.html"}],"law_id":81741,"edition_id":1,"section_id":81741,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-30","catch_line":"Who may enter interior of state correctional facilities; searches of those entering","history":"Code 1950, \u00a7 53-60.1; 1970, c. 648; 1978, c. 306; 1982, c. 636; 2010, c. 844; 2020, cc. 759, 1170, 1181.","full_text":"A\n\nThe Governor and members of the General Assembly may go into the interior of any state correctional facility. Attorneys shall be permitted in the interior of a state correctional facility to confer with prisoners who are their clients and with prisoners who are witnesses in cases in which they are involved. The Director shall prescribe the time and conditions on which attorneys and other persons may enter any state correctional facility.B\n\nThe Department shall promulgate a policy to assist a person who was a victim of a crime committed by an offender incarcerated in any state correctional facility to visit with such offender. Such policy may include provisions necessary to preserve the safety and security of those at such visit and the good order of the facility, including consideration of the offender’s security level, crime committed, and institutional behavior of the offender. The Department shall make whatever arrangements are necessary to effectuate such a visit. This subsection shall not apply to juvenile victims.C\n\nAny person seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility shall be subject to a search of his person and effects, as provided in § 53.1-1.2. Such search shall be performed in a manner reasonable under the circumstances and may be a condition precedent to entering a correctional facility. However, no child under the age of 18 shall be strip searched or subjected to a search of any body cavity under any circumstances.D\n\nThe Department may not permanently ban any person, or insinuate that any person will be permanently banned, from seeking entrance to a state correctional facility on the basis of such person’s refusal to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility. If a person refuses to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility, the Department may deny such person entry to the facility, unless otherwise provided by law, but may not deny such person any future entry on the basis of a prior refusal to consent.","order_by":null,"text":{"0":{"id":292813,"text":"The Governor and members of the General Assembly may go into the interior of any state correctional facility. Attorneys shall be permitted in the interior of a state correctional facility to confer with prisoners who are their clients and with prisoners who are witnesses in cases in which they are involved. The Director shall prescribe the time and conditions on which attorneys and other persons may enter any state correctional facility.","type":"section","prefixes":["A"],"prefix":"A","entire_prefix":"A","prefix_anchor":"A","level":1,"next_prefix":"B"},"1":{"id":292814,"text":"The Department shall promulgate a policy to assist a person who was a victim of a crime committed by an offender incarcerated in any state correctional facility to visit with such offender. Such policy may include provisions necessary to preserve the safety and security of those at such visit and the good order of the facility, including consideration of the offender’s security level, crime committed, and institutional behavior of the offender. The Department shall make whatever arrangements are necessary to effectuate such a visit. This subsection shall not apply to juvenile victims.","type":"section","prefixes":["B"],"prefix":"B","entire_prefix":"B","prefix_anchor":"B","level":1,"prior_prefix":"A","next_prefix":"C"},"2":{"id":292815,"text":"Any person seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility shall be subject to a search of his person and effects, as provided in § 53.1-1.2. Such search shall be performed in a manner reasonable under the circumstances and may be a condition precedent to entering a correctional facility. However, no child under the age of 18 shall be strip searched or subjected to a search of any body cavity under any circumstances.","type":"section","prefixes":["C"],"prefix":"C","entire_prefix":"C","prefix_anchor":"C","level":1,"prior_prefix":"B","next_prefix":"D"},"3":{"id":292816,"text":"The Department may not permanently ban any person, or insinuate that any person will be permanently banned, from seeking entrance to a state correctional facility on the basis of such person’s refusal to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility. If a person refuses to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility, the Department may deny such person entry to the facility, unless otherwise provided by law, but may not deny such person any future entry on the basis of a prior refusal to consent.","type":"section","prefixes":["D"],"prefix":"D","entire_prefix":"D","prefix_anchor":"D","level":1,"prior_prefix":"C"}},"ancestry":[{"id":12719,"edition_id":1,"name":"General Provisions","identifier":"1","label":"article","depth":3,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12718,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237863,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12719,"identifier":"1","token":"53.1\/2\/1","url":"\/53.1\/2\/1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12718,"edition_id":1,"name":"State Correctional Facilities","identifier":"2","label":"chapter","depth":2,"order_by":1,"parent_id":12717,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237861,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12718,"identifier":"2","token":"53.1\/2","url":"\/53.1\/2\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}},{"id":12717,"edition_id":1,"name":"Prisons and Other Methods of Correction","identifier":"53.1","label":"title","depth":1,"order_by":1,"parent_id":null,"metadata":{},"date_created":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","date_modified":"2026-06-26 03:43:49","permalink":{"id":237591,"object_type":"structure","relational_id":12717,"identifier":"53.1","token":"53.1","url":"\/53.1\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1}}],"structure_contents":[{"id":53940,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-18","catch_line":"Department to have custody of property; right to sue to protect property","url":"\/53.1-18\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-18","metadata":false},{"id":85630,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-19","catch_line":"Establishment of correctional institutions","url":"\/53.1-19\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-19","metadata":false},{"id":63511,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-20","catch_line":"Commitment of convicted persons to custody of Director","url":"\/53.1-20\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-20","metadata":false},{"id":79007,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-20.1","catch_line":"Compensation of local jails for cost of incarceration","url":"\/53.1-20.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-20.1","metadata":false},{"id":57061,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-21","catch_line":"Transfer of prisoners into and between state and local correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-21\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-21","metadata":false},{"id":86190,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-22","catch_line":"Misdemeanant suspected of having contagious disease","url":"\/53.1-22\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-22","metadata":false},{"id":64179,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23","catch_line":"Fingerprints, photographs and description","url":"\/53.1-23\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23","metadata":false},{"id":56594,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23.1","catch_line":"Repealed","url":"\/53.1-23.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23.1","metadata":false},{"id":80095,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-23.2","catch_line":"Department to give notice of the receipt of certain prisoners","url":"\/53.1-23.2\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-23.2","metadata":false},{"id":54546,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-24","catch_line":"Record of convictions and register to be kept","url":"\/53.1-24\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-24","metadata":false},{"id":66834,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-25","catch_line":"Director to prescribe rules; rules to be available to prisoners","url":"\/53.1-25\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-25","metadata":false},{"id":56296,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-25.1","catch_line":"Rules of state correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-25.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-25.1","metadata":false},{"id":83061,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-26","catch_line":"Confiscation of prohibited articles","url":"\/53.1-26\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-26","metadata":false},{"id":54317,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-27","catch_line":"Establishment of stores in state correctional facilities","url":"\/53.1-27\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-27","metadata":false},{"id":83094,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-28","catch_line":"Authority to fix discharge date; improper release; warrant, arrest and hearing","url":"\/53.1-28\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-28","metadata":false},{"id":70840,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-29","catch_line":"Authority for correctional officers and other employees to carry weapons","url":"\/53.1-29\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-29","metadata":false},{"id":81741,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-30","catch_line":"Who may enter interior of state correctional facilities; searches of those entering","url":"\/53.1-30\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-30","metadata":false},{"id":77086,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31","catch_line":"Sale or lease of gas, oil, or minerals","url":"\/53.1-31\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31","metadata":false},{"id":63215,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.1","catch_line":"Transportation of prisoners","url":"\/53.1-31.1\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.1","metadata":false},{"id":58019,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.2","catch_line":"Notification of child support due by a prisoner","url":"\/53.1-31.2\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.2","metadata":false},{"id":69710,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.3","catch_line":"Notification of incarcerated individuals ineligible for public assistance","url":"\/53.1-31.3\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.3","metadata":false},{"id":57907,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31.4","catch_line":"(Effective July 1, 2026) Government-issued identification; Department of Corrections-issued identification","url":"\/53.1-31.4\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31.4","metadata":false}],"previous_section":{"id":70840,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-29","catch_line":"Authority for correctional officers and other employees to carry weapons","url":"\/53.1-29\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-29","metadata":false},"next_section":{"id":77086,"structure_id":12719,"section_number":"53.1-31","catch_line":"Sale or lease of gas, oil, or minerals","url":"\/53.1-31\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-31","metadata":false},"metadata":false,"official_url":"https:\/\/law.lis.virginia.gov\/vacode\/53.1-30\/","history_text":"

The record of this law\u2019s original creation isn\u2019t available online. It has been modified 5 times. Those modifications are cataloged by \u201cThe Acts of Assembly,\u201d a state publication, by year and chapter. Those modifications that can be read on the General Assembly\u2019s website will be linked accordingly. Those modifications are as follows: in 1970, chapter 648; in 1978, chapter 306; in 1982, chapter 636; in 2010, chapter 844<\/a>; in 2020, chapters 759<\/a>, 1170<\/a>, and 1181<\/a>.<\/p>","references":[{"id":58509,"section_number":"19.2-11.4","catch_line":"Establishment of victim-offender reconciliation program","order_by":null,"url":"\/19.2-11.4\/"}],"refers_to":[{"id":63335,"section_number":"53.1-1.2","catch_line":"Visitation policies","order_by":null,"url":"\/53.1-1.2\/"}],"permalink":{"id":237929,"object_type":"law","relational_id":81741,"identifier":"53.1-30","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-30","url":"\/53.1-30\/","edition_id":1,"permalink":0,"preferred":1},"url":"\/53.1-30\/","token":"53.1\/2\/1\/53.1-30","dublin_core":{"Title":"Who may enter interior of state correctional facilities; searches of those entering","Type":"Text","Format":"text\/html","Identifier":"\u00a7 53.1-30","Relation":"Code of Virginia"},"html":"\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

A.<\/span> The Governor and members of the General Assembly may go into the interior of any state correctional facility<\/span>. Attorneys shall be permitted in the interior of a state correctional facility<\/span> to confer with prisoners who are their clients and with prisoners who are witnesses in cases in which they are involved. The Director<\/span> shall prescribe the time and conditions on which attorneys and other persons may enter any state correctional facility<\/span>. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

B.<\/span> The Department<\/span> shall promulgate a policy to assist a person who was a victim of a crime<\/span> committed by an offender incarcerated in any state correctional facility<\/span> to visit with such offender. Such policy may include provisions necessary to preserve the safety and security of those at such visit and the good order<\/span> of the facility, including consideration of the offender’s security level, crime<\/span> committed, and institutional behavior of the offender. The Department<\/span> shall make whatever arrangements are necessary to effectuate such a visit. This subsection shall not apply to juvenile victims. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

C.<\/span> Any person seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility<\/span> shall be subject to a search of his person and effects, as provided in § 53.1-1.2<\/a>. Such search shall be performed in a manner reasonable under the circumstances and may be a condition precedent<\/span> to entering a correctional facility. However, no child under the age of 18 shall be strip searched or subjected to a search of any body cavity under any circumstances. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t

D.<\/span> The Department<\/span> may not permanently ban any person, or insinuate that any person will be permanently banned, from seeking entrance to a state correctional facility<\/span> on the basis of such person’s refusal to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility<\/span>. If a person refuses to consent to a strip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility<\/span>, the Department<\/span> may deny such person entry to the facility, unless otherwise provided by law<\/span>, but may not deny such person any future entry on the basis of a prior refusal to consent. <\/i><\/a><\/p><\/section>","plain_text":" CODE OF VIRGINIA\n\nWHO MAY ENTER INTERIOR OF STATE CORRECTIONAL FACILITIES; SEARCHES OF THOSE\nENTERING (\u00a7 53.1-30)\n\nA. The Governor and members of the General Assembly may go into the interior of\nany state correctional facility. Attorneys shall be permitted in the interior of\na state correctional facility to confer with prisoners who are their clients and\nwith prisoners who are witnesses in cases in which they are involved. The\nDirector shall prescribe the time and conditions on which attorneys and other\npersons may enter any state correctional facility.\n\nB. The Department shall promulgate a policy to assist a person who was a victim\nof a crime committed by an offender incarcerated in any state correctional\nfacility to visit with such offender. Such policy may include provisions\nnecessary to preserve the safety and security of those at such visit and the\ngood order of the facility, including consideration of the offender’s\nsecurity level, crime committed, and institutional behavior of the offender. The\nDepartment shall make whatever arrangements are necessary to effectuate such a\nvisit. This subsection shall not apply to juvenile victims.\n\nC. Any person seeking to enter the interior of any state correctional facility\nshall be subject to a search of his person and effects, as provided in §\n53.1-1.2. Such search shall be performed in a manner reasonable under the\ncircumstances and may be a condition precedent to entering a correctional\nfacility. However, no child under the age of 18 shall be strip searched or\nsubjected to a search of any body cavity under any circumstances.\n\nD. The Department may not permanently ban any person, or insinuate that any\nperson will be permanently banned, from seeking entrance to a state correctional\nfacility on the basis of such person’s refusal to consent to a strip\nsearch or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter the\ninterior of any state correctional facility. If a person refuses to consent to a\nstrip search or a search of any body cavity when such person is seeking to enter\nthe interior of any state correctional facility, the Department may deny such\nperson entry to the facility, unless otherwise provided by law, but may not deny\nsuch person any future entry on the basis of a prior refusal to consent.\n\nHISTORY: Code 1950, \u00a7 53-60.1; 1970, c. 648; 1978, c. 306; 1982, c. 636; 2010,\nc. 844; 2020, cc. 759, 1170, 1181.","edition":{"id":1,"name":"2025","slug":"2025","date_created":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","date_modified":"2026-06-21 22:39:22","current":1,"order_by":1,"last_import":null}}