Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia HB173: An Act to amend and reenact § 53.1-1.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to state correctional facilities; visitation policies; annual report.
Status: Chaptered, April 13, 2026
State correctional facilities; visitation policies; work group. Sets additional visitation standards for visitors to state correctional facilities. The bill requires the Department of Corrections (the Department) to provide extended or additional visitation access for long-distance visitors. The bill provides that each in-person visit shall last a minimum of two hours unless shortened at the request of either the visitor or the incarcerated individual, or in response to an active security event. The bill also provides that visitation privileges may be suspended only for conduct occurring during visitation that presents a direct and substantial threat to the physical safety of participants or the security of the correctional facility. The bill provides a timeline and process for appealing any suspension of visitation rights. Finally, the bill directs the Department to convene a work group to consider and develop practical policy and legislative recommendations regarding visitation. The work group is required to report its findings and specific legislative and policy recommendations to the General Assembly by October 1, 2026. This bill is identical to SB 276.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact § 53.1-1.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to state correctional facilities; visitation policies; annual report. [H 173] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That § 53.1-1.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows: § 53.1-1.2. Visitation policies. A. As used in this section: "Long-distance visitor" means an approved visitor of a correctional facility whose primary residence is located at least 150 miles from the correctional facility, as measured by driving distance. "Revocation" means a permanent loss of visitation privileges following multiple serious.
From the enrolled text, April 13, 2026:
An Act to amend and reenact § 53.1-1.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to state correctional facilities; visitation policies; annual report. [H 173] Approved April 13, 2026 1. That § 53.1-1.2 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows: § 53.1-1.2. Visitation policies. A. As used in this section: "Long-distance visitor" means an approved visitor of a correctional facility whose primary residence is located at least 150 miles from the correctional facility, as measured by driving distance. "Revocation" means a permanent loss of visitation privileges following multiple serious violations verified through reliable evidence, including documentation of such violations. "Security requirements" means objectively documented procedures necessary to prevent escape, violence, or contraband introduction and does not include procedures used primarily for administrative convenience. B. The Department shall make reasonable efforts, consistent with facility safety and security, to provide each eligible incarcerated individual the opportunity for in-person visitation with approved visitors that is no less than the maximum safe seating capacity of the in-person visitation at each facility. C. The Department shall provide extended or additional visitation access for long-distance visitors. Such visits shall be scheduled for an extended duration, subject to available space and security requirements. D. Each in-person visit shall last a minimum of two hours unless shortened at the request of the visitor or incarcerated …