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VA HB1215

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/14/2026

Primary Sponsor

Delores Oates

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Virginia Code § 18.2-67.7 governing admission of evidence related to a complaining witness's prior sexual conduct in sexual offense prosecutions

  • Allows up to two support persons to remain present during evidentiary hearings for the complaining witness, at the court's discretion, if their presence would not impair fair proceedings or risk influencing testimony

  • Requires judges to admonish support persons not to prompt, communicate with, or influence the complaining witness in any way during the hearing

  • Grants courts authority to remove support persons from the courtroom if they are observed prompting, communicating with, or influencing the complaining witness

Legislative Description

Admission of evidence; evidentiary hearing, excluded persons.

Last Action

Left in Committee Courts of Justice

2/18/2026

Committee Referrals

Education2/18/2026
Courts of Justice2/18/2026
Courts of Justice: Criminal2/5/2026
Courts of Justice1/14/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available