VA SB229

Establishes a comprehensive class action lawsuit framework in Virginia, allowing one or more class members to bring civil actions on behalf of all members when the class is too numerous for individual joinder, common questions of law or fact exist, and claims are typical of the class.

Requires court certification of class actions with orders defining the class, identifying representative parties, and appointing class counsel who must fairly and adequately represent class interests.

Amends the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to allow damages of $500 per violation (or actual damages if greater), with up to $1,000 per violation or triple actual damages for willful violations, plus reasonable attorney fees.

Eliminates the requirement that plaintiffs prove reliance on a prohibited practice to recover damages under the Consumer Protection Act, reversing the holding in Owens v. DRS Automotive Fantomworks, Inc. (2014).

Takes effect January 1, 2027, with provisions allowing class actions to be filed after that date for conduct occurring prior to implementation.