VA HB1265

Requires anyone attempting to conduct a civil arrest in a Virginia courthouse to present identification, state their purpose, and provide a judicial warrant or order to courthouse staff before proceeding.

Mandates that a judicial officer or attorney verify the authenticity of any civil arrest warrant in writing before courthouse personnel can permit access for the arrest.

Expands civil arrest exemptions to include court parties, their family members, and accompanying witnesses while attending court or traveling to/from court proceedings.

Clarifies that civil arrests do not include contempt of court arrests, which remain permitted under existing law.

Establishes that willful violations constitute contempt of court, and allows affected individuals or the Attorney General to bring civil actions for equitable relief or damages.