Bill

Bill > HB43


VA HB43

VA HB43
Suicide; abolishes common-law crime, delayed effective date, report.


summary

Introduced
12/23/2025
In Committee
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/09/2026
Passed
02/25/2026
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Common-law crime of suicide. Abolishes the common-law crime of suicide. Suicide is currently a common-law crime in Virginia, although there is no statutorily prescribed punishment. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, and also requires the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to review the effect and implication of abolishing the common-law crime of suicide on insurance throughout the Commonwealth and submit its findings and any recommendations by November 1, 2026, to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice.

AI Summary

This bill abolishes the common-law crime of suicide, meaning that suicide will no longer be considered a crime under the historical legal principles that have been inherited from English law, although it is not currently punished by statute in Virginia. The change will take effect on July 1, 2027, and before that date, the Bureau of Insurance, which is part of the State Corporation Commission (a state agency that regulates businesses), will study how ending the common-law crime of suicide might impact insurance policies across Virginia and report its findings and any suggestions to the leaders of the House and Senate Courts of Justice committees by November 1, 2026.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (9)

Last Action

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026 (on 03/10/2026)

bill text


bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Loading...

bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB43) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1189893.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43/text/HB43ER
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43/text/HB43E
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB43) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134392.PDF
Courts of Justice Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43/text/HB43AH1
Criminal Subcommittee Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43/text/HB43AHC1
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB43/text/HB43
Loading...