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VA HB221
Bill
Status
Enrolled
2/25/2026
Primary Sponsor
Patrick Hope
Click for details
AI Summary
- Eliminates the appeal bond requirement for indigent defendants in all civil cases, including unlawful detainer (eviction) cases
- Removes previous exceptions that required indigent persons to post bonds in trespass, ejectment, foreclosure-related evictions, and rent recovery actions
- Defines "indigent" as a defendant determined eligible for court services and processes without fees or costs under § 19.2-159
- Simplifies bond requirements for non-indigent defendants appealing unlawful detainer judgments to an amount sufficient to satisfy the judgment including attorney fees
- Maintains requirement that defendants in residential eviction appeals must pay ongoing monthly rent to the plaintiff by the fifth of each month during the appeal process
Legislative Description
Appeals bond; indigent parties, appeal of unlawful detainer.
Last Action
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
3/10/2026
Committee Referrals
Courts of Justice2/4/2026
Courts of Justice: Civil1/19/2026
Courts of Justice1/8/2026
Full Bill Text
No bill text available