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Bill > HB192


VA HB192

VA HB192
General district courts; jurisdictional limits relating to motor vehicle accidents.


summary

Introduced
01/07/2026
In Committee
01/07/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

General district courts; jurisdictional limits; motor vehicle accidents. Provides that general district courts of the Commonwealth shall have jurisdiction over actions for bodily injury to or death of a person caused by a motor vehicle accident for an amount in controversy not to exceed $50,000, exclusive of interest, costs, and any prior settlement made pursuant to a motor vehicle owner's insurance policy.

AI Summary

This bill amends Section 16.1-77 of the Code of Virginia to expand the civil jurisdiction of general district courts, which are lower-level courts handling less complex cases. Specifically, it grants these courts the authority to hear cases involving bodily injury or death resulting from motor vehicle accidents where the amount in controversy does not exceed $50,000, excluding interest, court costs, and any settlements already made under the vehicle owner's insurance policy up to its stated limits. This change increases the maximum monetary limit for such cases in general district courts, allowing them to handle more significant claims related to car accidents than previously permitted.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Continued to next session in Courts of Justice (Voice Vote) (on 01/28/2026)

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/HB192
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB192) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092029.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB192/text/HB192
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