SB 83: District or circuit court; possession of portable electronic devices.

Official summary

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

Security policies for courthouses and local or regional correctional facilities; penalty. Adds several provisions relating to courthouse and courtroom security. The bill requires the chief judge of each general district court, juvenile and domestic relations district court, and circuit court to set a policy regarding the use and possession of portable electronic devices by visitors to the court. The bill authorizes such chief judge to condition the use and possession of portable electronic devices upon certain limitations. The bill also provides that if a sheriff allows courthouse employees to bypass any security screening required to enter a courthouse, such sheriff shall also exempt from the security screening any attorney who displays a valid Virginia State Bar-issued bar card and a government-issued identification. The bill creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any attorney who has had his license to practice law in the Commonwealth suspended or revoked and who displays a Virginia State Bar-issued bar card in an effort to be exempt from the security screening. Finally, the bill requires the State Board of Local and Regional Jails to develop and establish minimum standards to ensure that attorneys have sufficient opportunities to have confidential visits with their clients and requires sheriffs or jail superintendents to provide a telephonic, electronic, or web-based communication method for prisoners in local correctional facilities to communicate with attorneys.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 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 11, 2026Governor's recommendation received by Senate
2. March 14, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3. March 14, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026
4. March 12, 2026Signed by President
5. March 12, 2026Signed by Speaker
6. March 12, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB83)
7. March 12, 2026Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB83ER)
8. March 12, 2026Enrolled
9. March 6, 2026House amendments agreed to by Senate (26-Y 14-N 0-A)
10. March 4, 2026Passed House with amendments (99-Y 0-N 0-A)
11. March 4, 2026Reconsideration of passage agreed to by House
12. March 4, 2026Passed House with amendments (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

Showing 12 most recent of 35 actions. Full history