Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 12: Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 12 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on November 17, 2025. According to its official title, it concerns: Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence. Primary sponsor: Bill DeSteph (Republican). It lists 1 additional sponsor. Most recent recorded action (January 26, 2026): Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N).
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.
Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence. Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date, as well as the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 2
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bill DeSteph | Primary sponsor | Republican | Senate | 20 |
| Bill Stanley | Co-sponsor | Republican | Senate | 7 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
- Senate committee offered
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB12)
- Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (12/5/2025 4:04 pm)
- Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100650D