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VA HB581

Bill

Status

Engrossed

2/9/2026

Primary Sponsor

Jackie Glass

Click for details

Origin

House of Delegates

2026 Regular Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Expands Virginia's unauthorized use law to protect a person's voice and likeness in addition to name, portrait, and picture from commercial exploitation without written consent

  • Allows individuals to sue for injunctive relief and damages when their protected attributes are used for advertising or trade purposes without permission

  • Permits juries to award punitive damages when defendants knowingly violate the law

  • Extends protections to deceased persons, requiring consent from surviving spouse, next of kin, or minor's parent/guardian

  • Establishes a 20-year statute of limitations after a person's death for bringing claims under this section

Legislative Description

Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations.

Last Action

Senate substitute agreed to by House (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

3/11/2026

Committee Referrals

Finance and Appropriations2/18/2026
Courts of Justice2/11/2026
Courts of Justice: Civil1/29/2026
Courts of Justice1/13/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available