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Bill > HB1397
VA HB1397
VA HB1397Determining decibel level of sound with proper equipment; certificate as to accuracy of equipment.
summary
Introduced
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
In Committee
01/22/2026
01/22/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Determining decibel level of sound with proper equipment; certificate as to accuracy of equipment. Allows a local government employee of any locality who is properly trained to use equipment deemed proper pursuant to relevant law to determine the decibel level of any sound, including noise. Under current law, only a law-enforcement officer may use such equipment.
AI Summary
This bill expands the authority to measure sound levels by allowing trained local government employees, in addition to law-enforcement officers, to use properly calibrated equipment to determine decibel levels. The bill amends existing laws to reflect this change, ensuring that any equipment used, including that operated by these local government employees, must meet or exceed standards set by the Division and be regularly maintained, inspected, and tested for accuracy. This means that the results of sound level measurements taken by these authorized individuals will be accepted as strong evidence in legal proceedings, and certificates of equipment accuracy will continue to be admissible in court.
Committee Categories
Justice, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Left in Committee Public Safety (on 02/18/2026)
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/HB1397 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1397/text/HB1397 |
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