Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 718: Summons; issuance instead of warrant in certain cases.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 718 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Summons; issuance instead of warrant in certain cases. Primary sponsor: Eric Zehr (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Courts of Justice.
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.
Issuance of summons instead of warrant in certain cases. Provides that in any misdemeanor case or in any class of misdemeanor cases other than Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors, or in any case involving complaints made by any state or local governmental official or employee having responsibility for the enforcement of any statute, ordinance, or administrative regulation, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction may issue a summons instead of a warrant only upon a showing of evidence that the accused is willing and able to appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged. The bill further provides that in cases involving Class 1 or 2 misdemeanors, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction shall issue a warrant for such alleged offense unless he finds that there is reason to believe that the person charged will appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged. The bill requires the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction to submit, in writing, the facts supporting his decision to issue a summons instead of a warrant, which shall be filed with the summons in the court file. Under current law, the magistrate or other issuing authority having jurisdiction may issue a summons instead of a warrant when there is reason to believe that the person charged will appear in the courts having jurisdiction over the trial of the offense charged.
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
- Left in Committee Courts of Justice
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 3-N)
- Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB718)
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103822D