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VA HB245
VA HB245Jurisdiction of district courts in felony cases; specialty dockets, Behavioral Health Docket Act.
summary
Introduced
01/08/2026
01/08/2026
In Committee
02/23/2026
02/23/2026
Crossed Over
02/02/2026
02/02/2026
Passed
03/02/2026
03/02/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Jurisdiction of district courts in felony cases; specialty dockets; Behavioral Health Docket Act. Authorizes a general district court and a juvenile and domestic relations district court to retain jurisdiction over a felony offense for the purpose of allowing the accused to complete a specialty docket or behavioral health docket established pursuant to relevant law. Current law only explicitly provides such courts with the ability to certify felony charges to the circuit court or dismiss such charges after a preliminary hearing to determine if probable cause exists for such charges.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Virginia law to allow general district courts and juvenile and domestic relations district courts to retain jurisdiction over felony cases when the accused agrees to complete a specialty docket or a behavioral health docket. Previously, these courts could only dismiss felony charges or send them to a higher court (circuit court) after a preliminary hearing to determine if there was enough evidence to proceed. This change, known as the Behavioral Health Docket Act, provides an alternative pathway for individuals, particularly those with behavioral health needs, to address their charges by participating in these specialized programs, which are established under separate laws.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Signed by President (on 03/02/2026)
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/HB245 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB245/text/HB245ER |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB245) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1187690.PDF |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB245) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1092033.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB245/text/HB245 |
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