VA HB172

Allows defendants to withdraw a request for jury sentencing at any time up until the commencement of the sentencing proceeding, whereas current law requires the request be filed 30 days before trial with no withdrawal provision

Permits counsel for either party to question jurors about potential punishment ranges during voir dire regardless of whether the jury will determine sentencing

Establishes separate rules for juvenile defendants, allowing the court and counsel to inform jurors about potential punishment ranges while maintaining that existing juvenile sentencing provisions under § 16.1-272 apply

Requires courts to file a written explanation when modifying a jury-imposed sentence, including the cause for the modification