HB 449: Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions.

Official summary

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

Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions; violations of Virginia Consumer Protection Act; award of damages. Provides that one or more members of a class may, as representative parties on behalf of all members, bring a civil action or may be proceeded against in a civil action, provided that (i) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable, (ii) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (iii) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (iv) the representative parties shall fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. The bill further sets out the procedure to certify a class action, the duties of counsel appointed in a class action, the various orders a court may issue during the course of a class action, and the process by which a settlement, voluntary dismissal, or compromise may occur. The bill also applies the procedure by which an individual may be awarded damages in an action for a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to a class action. Finally, the bill permits the Court of Appeals to permit an appeal to be taken from an order certifying a class in accordance with the provisions of the bill or any other order that is not a final order of the circuit court in a class action. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 229.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6

“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 11, 2026Governor's recommendation received by House
2. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
4. March 12, 2026Signed by Speaker
5. March 11, 2026Signed by President
6. March 11, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB449)
7. March 11, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB449ER)
8. March 11, 2026Enrolled
9. March 4, 2026Passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A)
10. March 4, 2026Read third time
11. March 3, 2026Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
12. March 3, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 30 actions. Full history