SB12
Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana, exclusion of evidence.
Status:
Killed
Latest Action:
Jan. 26, 2026
Senate: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
Chief Patron:
Bill DeSteph (R)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Issuing citations; certain traffic offenses and odor of marijuana; exclusion of evidence.
Removes provisions prohibiting a law-enforcement officer from stopping a motor vehicle for operating (i) with an expired registration sticker prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date; (ii) with defective and unsafe equipment; (iii) without tail lights, brake lights, or a supplemental high mount ... (More) stop light; (iv) without lighted headlights displayed when so required; (v) with certain tinting films, signs, posters, stickers, or decals; (vi) with objects or other equipment suspended so as to obstruct the driver's view; or (vii) with an expired inspection prior to the first day of the fourth month after the original expiration date, as well as the accompanying exclusionary provisions. The bill also authorizes a law-enforcement officer to lawfully stop, search, or seize a person, place, or thing or a search warrant to be issued based solely on the odor of marijuana if such odor creates a reasonable suspicion of a violation of the law prohibiting driving while intoxicated. (Less)-
Bill History
- 11/17/2025 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100650D
- 11/17/2025 - Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 12/05/2025 - Senate: Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (12/5/2025 4:04 pm)
- 01/25/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB12)
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Senate committee offered
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (9-Y 5-N)
