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Bill > HB150
VA HB150
VA HB150Felonies; limitation on prosecution due to lapse of time after finding of probable cause.
summary
Introduced
01/05/2026
01/05/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/16/2026
02/16/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Limitation on prosecution of felony due to lapse of time after finding of probable cause; misdemeanors; exceptions; retaining counsel. Provides that the speedy trial statute is tolled for the accused to retain private counsel or have counsel appointed to him pursuant to relevant law. The bill requires the court to conduct, not more than 30 days apart, reviews of the accused's attorney status and provides that such tolling shall end when the accused has either retained counsel or had counsel appointed to him and such counsel has entered an appearance in the case or the accused executes a valid waiver of counsel. Lastly, the bill provides that such provisions shall not be construed as ending the tolling of speedy trial for any other reason pursuant to relevant law.
AI Summary
This bill amends a Virginia law that sets time limits for prosecuting felonies after probable cause has been established, meaning a judge has found sufficient evidence to believe a crime was committed and the accused committed it. The key change is that the clock on these time limits, known as the speedy trial statute, can be paused, or "tolled," for up to 30 days if the accused needs time to hire a private lawyer or have one appointed to them by the court. The court will review the accused's attorney status no more than 30 days apart, and this pause ends once the accused has a lawyer or officially waives their right to one. This provision is added as an exception to the existing reasons why the prosecution timeline can be paused, such as delays caused by the accused, witness issues, or jury disagreements.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Senate Courts of Justice Hearing (08:00:00 2/23/2026 Senate Room A, Room 305, General Assembly Building) (on 02/23/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB150 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB150) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1149153.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB150/text/HB150H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB150/text/HB150HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB150/text/HB150HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB150) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1091208.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB150/text/HB150 |
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