Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 520: Clerk fees; secure remote access to nonconfidential court records by certain attorneys.
Enacted Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 520 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Clerk fees; secure remote access to nonconfidential court records by certain attorneys. Primary sponsor: Phil Hernandez (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (April 6, 2026): Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0159).
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.
Clerk fees; secure remote access to nonconfidential court records by certain attorneys. Provides that no clerk shall charge a fee to an attorney for secure remote access to nonconfidential court records when such attorney is certified by the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission in the jurisdiction served by such clerk, provided that such attorney is currently appointed to represent a defendant in such jurisdiction and agrees to continue accepting appointments in such jurisdiction. The bill also provides that if, after receiving secure remote access for nonconfidential court records, such attorney (i) is found to have abused such privilege of such secure remote access; (ii) is removed from the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission's court-appointed attorney list; or (iii) ceases to accept appointments for representation from the granting court, the clerk may terminate the agreement granting such secure remote access. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. This bill is identical to SB 82.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phil Hernandez | Primary sponsor | Democratic | House | 94 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0159)
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 159 (effective 7/1/2026)
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
- Signed by Speaker
- Signed by President
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB520)
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB520ER)
- Enrolled
- Passed Senate (31-Y 9-N 0-A)
- Read third time
- Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Showing 12 most recent of 31 actions. Full history