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Bill > HB520
VA HB520
VA HB520Clerk fees; secure remote access to nonconfidential court records by certain attorneys.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
03/03/2026
03/03/2026
Crossed Over
02/09/2026
02/09/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Clerk fees; secure remote access to nonconfidential court records by certain attorneys. Provides that no clerk shall charge a fee to an attorney for secure remote access to nonconfidential court records when such attorney is certified by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission in the jurisdiction served by such clerk, provided that such attorney is currently appointed to represent a defendant in such jurisdiction and agrees to continue accepting appointments in such jurisdiction. The bill also provides that if, after receiving secure remote access for nonconfidential court records, such attorney (i) is found to have abused such privilege of such secure remote access; (ii) is removed from the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission's court-appointed attorney list; or (iii) ceases to accept appointments for representation from the granting court, the clerk may terminate the agreement granting such secure remote access. This bill is a recommendation of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing law to allow clerks of court to provide secure remote access to nonconfidential court records to attorneys without charging a fee, provided that the attorney is certified by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, meaning they are recognized by the state as qualified to represent individuals who cannot afford legal counsel, and has been appointed by the court to represent an indigent criminal defendant in that jurisdiction, agreeing to continue accepting such appointments. The bill also outlines conditions under which this access can be terminated, such as abuse of the privilege, removal from the indigent defense commission's list, or the attorney no longer accepting court appointments. This change is a recommendation from the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission, aiming to support attorneys representing low-income defendants.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Passed Senate (31-Y 9-N 0-A) (on 03/04/2026)
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/HB520 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB520) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1128499.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB520/text/HB520H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB520/text/HB520HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB520/text/HB520HC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB520/text/HB520 |
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