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VA HB185

Bill

Official Source

Status

Engrossed

2/2/2026

Primary Sponsor

Leslie Chambers Mehta

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Establishes immediate appellate review for circuit court orders that grant or deny motions to close proceedings or seal records not otherwise authorized by law
  • Allows appellate review when circuit courts issue sua sponte (on their own initiative) orders closing proceedings or sealing records
  • Permits review of circuit court decisions that affirm or reverse district court orders closing proceedings or sealing records
  • Requires aggrieved persons to file a petition for review with the Supreme Court within 15 days of the order's entry
  • Amends existing law to include these sealing/closure orders in the expedited review process used for injunction appeals, involving assignment to a three-justice panel

Legislative Description

Orders closing a proceeding; petitions for review.

Last Action

Senate amendments agreed to by House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

3/12/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance and Appropriations3/4/2026
Courts of Justice2/4/2026
Courts of Justice: Civil1/19/2026
Courts of Justice1/7/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available