VA SB83

Chief judges of Virginia district and circuit courts must establish policies allowing visitors to possess portable electronic devices (laptops, tablets, cell phones, smart watches) in courthouses and courtrooms, with permissible conditions such as security screening, designated use areas, and silent mode requirements.

Attorneys with valid Virginia State Bar identification cards are exempt from electronic device restrictions and, if courthouse employees or law enforcement are exempt from security screening, attorneys presenting valid bar cards must also be exempt from screening.

Attorneys who present a State Bar card after their license has been suspended or revoked to bypass courthouse security screening commit a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Local correctional facilities must provide confidential telephonic or electronic communication systems for prisoners to communicate with their attorneys at regular times, and must accommodate attorney requests for prisoners to review discovery and trial materials.

The State Board of Local and Regional Jails must collect data on jail communication systems and assess implementation costs, reporting findings to legislative committees by November 1, 2026.