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Bill > HB1476
VA HB1476
VA HB1476Law-enforcement civilian oversight bodies; disclosure of certain law-enforcement records.
summary
Introduced
01/23/2026
01/23/2026
In Committee
02/06/2026
02/06/2026
Crossed Over
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Law-enforcement civilian oversight bodies; closed meetings; disclosure of certain law-enforcement records. Provides an exemption to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act to allow closed meetings for discussion or consideration by any law-enforcement civilian oversight body established pursuant to general law of the criminal investigative files, audit findings, and deliberations regarding police operations related to a specific complaint before the body. The bill allows inspection of certain law-enforcement records concerning juveniles by such civilian oversight bodies when required to perform their duties and by any independent policing auditor appointed by the county board of a county with the county manager plan of government (Arlington County) to support such civilian oversight body. Finally, the bill allows disclosure of certain information regarding crimes involving sexual assault, sexual abuse, or family abuse to such civilian oversight body and independent policing auditor.
AI Summary
This bill amends existing Virginia law to allow law-enforcement civilian oversight bodies, which are established to review police conduct, to hold closed meetings to discuss specific complaint investigations, including criminal investigative files and audit findings related to those complaints. It also grants these oversight bodies, as well as independent policing auditors appointed in certain counties (like Arlington), access to certain law-enforcement records concerning juveniles when necessary for their duties. Furthermore, the bill permits the disclosure of information about crimes involving sexual assault, sexual abuse, or family abuse to these oversight bodies and auditors, aiming to enhance transparency and accountability in law enforcement while protecting sensitive information.
Committee Categories
Justice, Military Affairs and Security
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
Read third time and passed House (59-Y 39-N 0-A) (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/HB1476 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1476/text/HB1476H1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1476/text/HB1476HC2 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1476/text/HB1476HC1 |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1476/text/HB1476 |
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