Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 981: Criminal cases; prosecutorial misconduct, reasonable costs and attorney fees.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 981 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Criminal cases; prosecutorial misconduct, reasonable costs and attorney fees. Primary sponsor: Tom Garrett (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.
Criminal cases; prosecutorial misconduct; reasonable costs and attorney fees. Entitles a defendant to recover reasonable costs and attorney fees when a criminal case against him is dismissed and it is discovered that prosecutorial misconduct was present or an abuse of process occurred in such case.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tom Garrett | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 56 |
“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 failed to recommend reporting (4-Y 6-N)
- Assigned HCJ sub: Civil
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104239D