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Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill

HB 245: Jurisdiction of district courts in felony cases; specialty dockets, Behavioral Health Docket Act.

Enacted Official data

  1. Introduced
  2. In committee
  3. Passed one chamber
  4. Passed both chambers
  5. Enacted

Last official action: ·Record last updated:

Plain-language summary

HB 245 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 8, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Jurisdiction of district courts in felony cases; specialty dockets, Behavioral Health Docket Act. Primary sponsor: Vivian Watts (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 13, 2026): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0580).

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.

Jurisdiction of district courts in felony cases; specialty dockets; Behavioral Health Docket Act. Authorizes a general district court and a juvenile and domestic relations district court to retain jurisdiction over a felony offense for the purpose of allowing the accused to complete a specialty docket or behavioral health docket established pursuant to relevant law. Current law only explicitly provides such courts with the ability to certify felony charges to the circuit court or dismiss such charges after a preliminary hearing to determine if probable cause exists for such charges.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

NameRolePartyChamberDistrict
Vivian WattsPrimary sponsorDemocraticHouse14

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0580)
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 580 (effective 7/1/2026)
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
  5. Signed by President
  6. Signed by Speaker
  7. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB245)
  8. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB245ER)
  9. Enrolled
  10. Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
  11. Read third time
  12. Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)

Showing 12 most recent of 26 actions. Full history

Sources

  1. Open States / Plural (data from the official legislature website)
  2. Official legislature source