HB 43: Suicide; abolishes common-law crime, delayed effective date, report.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Common-law crime of suicide. Abolishes the common-law crime of suicide. Suicide is currently a common-law crime in Virginia, although there is no statutorily prescribed punishment. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027, and also requires the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission to review the effect and implication of abolishing the common-law crime of suicide on insurance throughout the Commonwealth and submit its findings and any recommendations by November 1, 2026, to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 9

“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. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 785 (effective 7/1/2026)
2. March 10, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 10, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
4. March 2, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB43)
5. February 25, 2026Signed by President
6. February 25, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. February 25, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB43ER)
8. February 25, 2026Enrolled
9. February 23, 2026Passed Senate (22-Y 16-N 0-A)
10. February 23, 2026Read third time
11. February 20, 2026Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
12. February 20, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 27 actions. Full history