Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 688: Children; seizure of audio and visual equipment, etc., in connection with solicitation, etc.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 688 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Children; seizure of audio and visual equipment, etc., in connection with solicitation, etc. Primary sponsor: Eric Zehr (Republican). Most recent recorded action (January 28, 2026): Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote).
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.
Seizure, forfeiture, and destruction of property used in connection with the exploitation and solicitation of children. Provides that all audio and visual equipment, electronic equipment, devices, and other personal property used in connection with the possession, production, distribution, publication, sale, possession with intent to distribute, or making of child pornography, or in connection with the solicitation of a person less than 18 years of age, in violation of current law, shall be subject to lawful seizure by a law-enforcement officer and forfeited to the Commonwealth by order of the court trying the case. The bill also (i) requires the court to order the destruction of all such equipment, devices, and other personal property, (ii) requires certain information to be provided by the law-enforcement agency responsible for the destruction, (iii) prohibits destruction of such items to be used in a criminal prosecution until all rights of appeal have been exhausted, and (iv) requires the law-enforcement agency to provide notice, by first-class mail, to the accused or other interested party, if known, and his attorney at least seven days prior to the destruction of the time and place the destruction will occur.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Zehr | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 51 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote)
- Incorporated by Courts of Justice (HB148-Williams) (Voice Vote)
- Subcommittee recommends incorporating (9-Y 0-N)
- Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103500D