HB449
Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions.
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 4, 2026
Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Chief Patron:
Marcus Simon (D)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions;
violations of Virginia Consumer Protection Act; award of damages. Provides that one or more members of a class may, as representative parties on behalf of all members, bring a civil action or may be proceeded against in a civil action, provided that (i) the class is so numerous that joinder ... (More) of all members is impracticable, (ii) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (iii) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (iv) the representative parties shall fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. The bill further sets out the procedure to certify a class action, the duties of counsel appointed in a class action, the various orders a court may issue during the course of a class action, and the process by which a settlement, voluntary dismissal, or compromise may occur. The bill also applies the procedure by which an individual may be awarded damages in an action for a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to a class action. Finally, the bill permits the Court of Appeals to permit an appeal to be taken from an order certifying a class in accordance with the provisions of the bill or any other order that is not a final order of the circuit court in a class action. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/12/2026 - House: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105384D
- 01/12/2026 - House: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
- 01/22/2026 - House: Assigned HCJ sub: Civil
- 01/22/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 01/26/2026 - House: House subcommittee offered
- 01/26/2026 - House: Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7-Y 3-N)
- 01/27/2026 - House: Placed on Courts of Justice Agenda
- 01/28/2026 - House: Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (14-Y 6-N)
- 01/30/2026 - House: Read first time
- 02/02/2026 - House: Read second time
- 02/02/2026 - House: committee substitute agreed to
- 02/02/2026 - House: Engrossed by House - committee substitute
- 02/03/2026 - House: Read third time and passed House (64-Y 34-N 0-A) Close Floor Vote
- 02/04/2026 - Senate: Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
- 02/04/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
