SB83
District or circuit court; possession of portable electronic devices.
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 2, 2026
Senate: Committee substitute printed 26105369D-S1
Chief Patron:
Saddam Azlan Salim (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Possession of portable electronic device in district or circuit court.
Requires the chief judge of each general district court, juvenile and domestic relations district court, and circuit court to set a policy regarding the use and possession of portable electronic devices, defined in the bill as a personal laptop, a tablet, a mobile telephone, an electronic calendar, an electronic book ... (More) reader, a smart watch, or any other electronic personal communication device, by members of the public who are not otherwise authorized to use or possess such portable electronic devices. The bill sets forth what additional provisions are required to be included in such policy depending upon whether the chief judge of the district or circuit court prohibits, restricts, or allows the use or possession of such portable electronic devices in the courthouse, courtrooms, or both. The bill also requires that any such policy be conspicuously posted at the entrance of the courthouse and available on the Virginia Judicial System's website, the district or circuit court's individual website, or a local government website that also has information about such district or circuit court. (Less)-
Bill History
- 12/29/2025 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100784D
- 12/29/2025 - Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Senate committee offered
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB83)
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 6-N)
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
- 02/02/2026 - Senate: Committee substitute printed 26105369D-S1
