SB 158: Judicial district and circuit courts; maximum number of judges.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Maximum number of judges in each judicial district and circuit; study to examine organization and boundaries of certain judicial districts; report. Increases by one the maximum number of authorized general district court judges in the Twelfth and Twenty-sixth Judicial Districts. The bill also increases by one the maximum number of authorized juvenile and domestic relations district court judges in the Twelfth and Fifteenth Judicial Districts. The bill further increases by one the maximum number of authorized circuit court judges in the Twentieth and Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuits. Under the bill, the provisions relating to increasing the number of judges in the Fifteenth and Twentieth Judicial Circuits have a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.Finally, the bill directs the Judicial Council of Virginia to study the organization and boundaries of the Fifteenth and Twentieth Judicial Circuits and to submit an executive summary and a report of its findings and recommendations to the Governor and the General Assembly no later than November 30, 2026.As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Committee on District Courts and the Judicial Council of Virginia. This bill incorporates SB 780.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1 · Republican 1

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 13, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 880 (effective 7/1/2026)
2. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
4. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
5. March 31, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB158)
6. March 30, 2026Signed by President
7. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB158ER)
8. March 30, 2026Enrolled
9. March 23, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB158)
10. March 11, 2026Conference report agreed to by House (99-Y 0-N 0-A)
11. March 11, 2026Conference report agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
12. March 11, 2026Conference Report released

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history