Virginia’s House Bill 1730 Expands Employer Liability for Harm to Vulnerable Victims

Cary, NC – July 9, 2025 — Under House Bill 1730 (Chapter 726), effective July 1, 2025, Virginia is strengthening protections for “vulnerable victims” by expanding the circumstances under which employers can be held vicariously liable for wrongful acts committed by their employees.

🛡️ What HB 1730 Does

  • Adds § 8.01‑42.6 to the Virginia Code, empowering courts to hold employers legally responsible when:

    1. An employee’s harmful or fatal wrongdoing occurs while reasonably likely to be in contact with a vulnerable victim, and

    2. The employer failed to exercise reasonable care in preventing or controlling the employee, despite knowing—or being in a position to know—the risk.

  • Defines “vulnerable victim” broadly to include:

    • Patients in healthcare settings,

    • Individuals with disabilities,

    • Assisted‑living residents,

    • Passengers of common carriers or medical transport,

    • Business invitees of esthetics or massage establishments,

    • And vulnerable adults,

  • Applies to causes of action accruing on or after July 1, 2025 

📌 How This Affects Background Checks & Hiring Practices

Employers must now:

  • Enhance Pre-Employment Vetting — Conduct rigorous criminal and professional reference checks, especially for roles interacting with vulnerable populations.

  • Maintain Ongoing Oversight — Regularly assess employee conduct and actively intervene when red flags arise.

  • Update Policies — Implement clear protocols for reporting, responding to, and preventing misconduct in sensitive environments.

🌐 How CRC Supports HB 1730 Compliance

For Employers & Vulnerable-Sector Organizations

  • Advanced Screening Tools — Include criminal history verification, professional licensure checks, and red-flag alerts prior to and during employment.

  • Continuous Monitoring Service — Ongoing surveillance of criminal and professional databases to detect emerging risks.

  • Custom Compliance Reporting — Generate tailored audit-ready reports aligned with HB 1730’s “reasonable care” standard.

✅ Next Steps

Employers in high-risk sectors (healthcare, eldercare, transportation, personal services):

  1. Audit existing background-check and oversight procedures to identify gaps.

  2. Deploy enhanced screening and continuous monitoring via CRC.

  3. Educate leadership and staff on legal obligations and best practices.

Contact:
CRC
Phone: (877) 272-0266
Email: sales@mycrc.com

About CRC:

A nationwide leader in criminal and professional screening, our mission is to empower businesses with tools that promote safe, compliant hiring—especially in roles serving vulnerable communities.