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VA HB1485

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/9/2026

Primary Sponsor

Patrick Hope

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Increases the maximum number of judges on the Court of Appeals of Virginia from 17 to 21

  • Requires en banc hearings to consist of no fewer than 13 judges, including the 3 judges originally assigned to the case plus 10 judges selected through a randomized rotational schedule

  • Eliminates mandatory en banc hearings triggered by panel dissents or conflicting decisions, making en banc review discretionary by court motion or party petition when a majority of judges approves

  • Directs the Supreme Court of Virginia to establish rules implementing the randomized rotational en banc panel selection system

  • Provisions take effect September 1, 2026

Legislative Description

Court of Appeals of Virginia; maximum number of judges, summary disposition of certain civil cases.

Last Action

Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

3/9/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance and Appropriations2/23/2026
Courts of Justice2/11/2026
Courts of Justice: Criminal1/30/2026
Courts of Justice1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available