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VA HB1517

Bill

Official Source

Status

Introduced

1/23/2026

Primary Sponsor

Robert Bloxom

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends Virginia Code § 20-124 to make sealing of court records in domestic relations cases mandatory upon a party's motion, rather than discretionary, except when good cause is shown to deny sealing
  • Expands the scope of materials eligible for sealing to explicitly include all motions, pleadings, and party agreements, even when incorporated into court orders
  • Allows for partial sealing of records in addition to complete sealing
  • Maintains that sealed records remain accessible to parties, their attorneys, and others the judge determines have a proper interest
  • Requires that court rulings and orders themselves may only be sealed upon a showing of good cause, preserving some transparency in judicial decisions

Legislative Description

Mandatory sequestration of record; partial sealing, good cause shown exception.

Last Action

Left in Committee Courts of Justice

2/18/2026

Committee Referrals

Education2/18/2026
Courts of Justice2/18/2026
Courts of Justice: Civil2/5/2026
Courts of Justice1/23/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available