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VA SB412
VA SB412Court appearance of a person not free on bail; changes to provisions regarding hearings.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2026
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/04/2026
02/04/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Court appearance of a person not free on bail. Makes various changes to provisions regarding bail hearings, including (i) the appointment of counsel for the accused; (ii) the information provided to counsel for the accused; (iii) a requirement that counsel for the accused, when practicable, be provided with adequate time to confer with the accused prior to any bail hearing; and (iv) the compensation of counsel for the accused. The bill provides that, effective in due course, the chief judge in each circuit shall create a plan to be completed by November 1, 2026, that establishes the means by which the jurisdiction will meet such provisions. The remaining provisions of the bill have a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
AI Summary
This bill makes several changes to how court appearances are handled for individuals not free on bail, meaning they are in custody and awaiting a hearing. It clarifies what "bail information" includes, such as checklists, risk assessments, and charging documents, and ensures that individuals brought before a judge are informed of their rights, including the amount of bail and their right to counsel. The bill also mandates that counsel for the accused, when possible, be given adequate time and private space to confer with their client before any bail hearing. Furthermore, it outlines procedures for appointing legal representation, particularly for those who qualify as indigent (unable to afford a lawyer), and establishes a system for compensating appointed attorneys. A key provision requires the chief judge in each judicial circuit to develop a plan by November 1, 2026, detailing how their jurisdiction will meet these new requirements, with the rest of the bill's provisions taking effect on January 1, 2027.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance, Justice
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N) (on 02/12/2026)
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/SB412 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB412/text/SB412S1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB412/text/SB412SC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB412) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1100864.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB412/text/SB412 |
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