VA HB126

Requires the State Board of Local and Regional Jails to establish minimum standards ensuring attorneys have sufficient opportunities for confidential visits with clients held in local, regional, and community correctional facilities

Mandates in-person access to counsel in confidential settings during regular business hours, with availability on at least some evenings and weekend days each week

Requires facilities to provide inmates access to counsel via secure, confidential telephone or video conference that is not recorded or monitored

Requires facilities to publicly post policies and procedures for requesting and scheduling legal visits, with prompt notification to counsel if visits must be delayed, canceled, or restricted

Requires any denial or postponement of attorney access to be approved by a supervisor with written rationale provided upon request; standards must be established by January 1, 2027