HB 459: Hate crimes; crime victim's right to nondisclosure of certain information.

Official summary

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

Crime victim's right to nondisclosure of certain information; hate crimes. Prohibits a law-enforcement agency from disclosing to the public information that directly or indirectly identifies the victim of a hate crime, defined in relevant law, except to the extent that disclosure is (i) of the site of the crime, (ii) required by law, (iii) necessary for law-enforcement purposes, or (iv) permitted by the court for good cause unless such victim, or his next of kin if he is a minor and his death results from any crime, provides written consent. The bill also prohibits, at the request of the victim, the Court of Appeals of Virginia and the Supreme Court of Virginia from listing the first or last name of the victim of a hate crime in an appellate decision.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1

“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 6, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0147)
2. April 6, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 147 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. March 10, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
4. March 10, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
5. February 25, 2026Signed by President
6. February 25, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. February 25, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB459)
8. February 25, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB459ER)
9. February 25, 2026Enrolled
10. February 23, 2026Passed Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A)
11. February 23, 2026Read third time
12. February 20, 2026Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Showing 12 most recent of 27 actions. Full history