Bill > HJR8

This resolution requests the Judicial Council of Virginia, a body responsible for studying and making recommendations on the organization and administration of the state's courts, to conduct a comprehensive review of the 15th Judicial Circuit. The study will examine current caseloads, population growth, court management practices, and travel times for judges within the circuit, which currently includes the City of Fredericksburg and Caroline, Essex, Hanover, King George, Lancaster, Northumberland, Richmond, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and Westmoreland Counties. The primary objective is to determine if the City of Fredericksburg and Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties, which have experienced significant population and business growth leading to increased caseloads, should be removed from the 15th Judicial Circuit and form a new, separate judicial circuit. If creating a new circuit is not recommended, the Council is asked to propose alternative solutions to alleviate the burdens on judges in the 15th Judicial Circuit. The Judicial Council is required to gather input from judges, clerks, and attorneys within the circuit, and to submit its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly by the start of the 2027 legislative session.

https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HJ8