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VA HB1388
Bill
Status
Introduced
1/21/2026
Primary Sponsor
Mike Cherry
Click for details
AI Summary
- Establishes a "Police Chief Bill of Rights" requiring just cause and a formal hearing before removal of any local or campus police chief in Virginia
- Defines "just cause" for removal as felony conviction, gross negligence, willful misconduct, demonstrated incompetence, material policy violations, conduct unbecoming an officer, abandonment of office, or repeated failure to perform duties; policy disagreements alone do not constitute just cause
- Requires a three-member impartial hearing panel consisting of appointees from the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, Virginia Municipal League (or Virginia Association of Counties), and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court
- Mandates written notice at least five business days before hearing, requires the appointing authority to prove just cause by clear and convincing evidence, and allows appeal to circuit court within 90 days
- Provides for reinstatement with back pay and benefits if charges are unsubstantiated, allows award of attorney fees, and prohibits retaliation against police chiefs for asserting their rights under the chapter
Legislative Description
Chiefs of police; creates independent protections and procedures.
Last Action
Continued to next session in Public Safety (Voice Vote)
2/13/2026
Committee Referrals
Militia, Police and Public Safety: Subcommittee #22/10/2026
Public Safety1/21/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available