Bill
Bill > HB1029
summary
Introduced
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
In Committee
01/14/2026
01/14/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Criminal complaint, warrant, summons, etc.; temporary sealing. Provides that (i) any complaint that accompanies any warrant, summons, or capias issued pursuant to relevant law may be temporarily sealed for a specific period of time by the appropriate court upon application of the attorney for the Commonwealth for good cause shown in an ex parte hearing and (ii) any individual arrested on or served with such warrant, summons, or capias may move the appropriate court for the unsealing of such complaint. The bill states that the burden of proof with respect to continued sealing shall be upon the Commonwealth.
AI Summary
This bill allows for the temporary sealing of criminal complaints that are filed alongside warrants, summonses, or capias (an order for arrest). The attorney for the Commonwealth, representing the state, can request this sealing from a court for a specific period if they show good cause in a private hearing where only the prosecution is present (ex parte hearing). This provision aims to protect sensitive information in certain cases. However, any individual who is arrested or served with such a warrant, summons, or capias will have the right to ask the court to unseal the accompanying complaint. The bill also clarifies that the Commonwealth bears the responsibility of proving why the complaint should remain sealed if challenged.
Committee Categories
Education, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Committee Courts of Justice (on 02/18/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1029 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1029/text/HB1029HC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1029) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1127518.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1029/text/HB1029 |
Loading...