VA HB127

Requires detained individuals not free on bail to appear before a judge on the first day the court sits after detention, where judges within a circuit may coordinate to ensure availability for hearings

Mandates appointment of a public defender prior to bail hearings for qualifying indigent defendants in jurisdictions with public defender offices, with counsel given access to the accused and bail information before proceedings

Establishes a three-calendar-day deadline (excluding weekends and holidays) for bail or conditions of release hearings after a motion is made

Requires chief judges in each circuit to create written plans by November 1, 2026, detailing how representation will be provided at hearings, including attorney selection methods and protocols for counsel access to defendants and case information

Provisions become effective January 1, 2027, with appointed counsel (other than public defenders) compensated hourly at Supreme Court-set rates, capped at one hour for representation limited to the initial hearing