Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 1411: Defendant; evidence of mental condition admissible.
Passed both chambers Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 1411 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 22, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Defendant; evidence of mental condition admissible. Primary sponsor: Charlie Schmidt. Most recent recorded action (March 14, 2026): Failed to Pass from conference.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Evidence of defendant's mental condition admissible. Provides that evidence of the defendant's mental condition at the time of the alleged offense, including lay testimony, may be admitted and considered if such evidence (i) has any tendency to show the defendant did or did not have a mental state that is an element of the offense or an affirmative defense and (ii) is otherwise admissible pursuant to the general rules of evidence. The bill also provides such evidence offered by the defendant that shows he had a mental condition at the time of or near any act related to the offense, or a defense to or for such offense, is admissible as it has a tendency to show the defendant did not have the required mental state. The current standard requires that such evidence tend to show the defendant did not have the intent required for the offense charged. The bill also provides that notwithstanding any other provision of law or rule of evidence, any statement made by the accused to an expert during an examination to allow such expert to form an opinion on whether or not the accused had a mental condition at the time of or near any act related to the offense, or a defense to or for such offense, is admissible if such statement is offered by the accused.
Sponsors
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Charlie Schmidt | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Failed to Pass from conference
- No further action taken
- Senate insisted on substitute
- Senate Conferees: Perry, Deeds, Stuart
- Conferees appointed by Senate
- House Conferees: Schmidt, Watts, Davis
- Conferees appointed by House
- House acceded to request
- Senate requested conference committee
- Senate insisted on substitute Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
- Senate substitute rejected by House (0-Y 97-N 0-A)
- Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history