summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Passed
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Dead
Signed/Enacted/Adopted
04/13/2026
04/13/2026
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Requirement for appeals bond; indigent parties; appeal of unlawful detainer. Removes the requirement for an indigent defendant, as defined in the bill, to post an appeal bond in an unlawful detainer action appealed from the general district court.
AI Summary
This bill amends Virginia law to remove the requirement for an indigent defendant to post an appeal bond when appealing an unlawful detainer action, which is a legal process to evict someone from a property. The bill clarifies that "indigent" means a defendant who has been determined eligible for legal services without fees or costs, as defined by a specific section of Virginia law (§ 19.2-159). This change aims to make it easier for individuals who cannot afford to pay for an appeal bond to challenge a judgment in an unlawful detainer case, ensuring they have the same opportunity to appeal as other parties.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (2)
Last Action
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0579) (on 04/13/2026)
Bill Topics
Community Development and Housing Issues
- ‐ Housing and Community Development for Low and Middle Income Persons
Law, Crime, and Family Issues
- ‐ Civil Law and Procedure
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location | Created |
|---|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221 | 01/08/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/CHAP0579 | 04/21/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/HB221ER | 02/25/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/HB221E | 02/02/2026 |
| Courts of Justice Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/HB221AH1 | 01/28/2026 |
| Civil Subcommittee Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/HB221AHC1 | 01/21/2026 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB221/text/HB221 | 01/08/2026 |
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