Virginia legislation · 2026 Regular Session
Virginia SB24: An Act to amend and reenact § 19.2-265.4 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 15 of Title 19.2 an article numbered 4.3, consisting of a section numbered 19.2-264.15, relating to discovery; methods of delivery.
Status: Chaptered, April 22, 2026
Discovery; methods of delivery. Requires the Commonwealth, upon request by the accused or his counsel, to copy or photograph any discovery materials or evidence the accused is permitted to inspect and review, including relevant police reports, criminal records, dashboard camera footage, and body-worn camera footage, and requires the Commonwealth to provide copies to the accused or his counsel, subject to the redaction, restricted dissemination, and protective order provisions of the relevant Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia and unless such material is prohibited from being distributed by law. The bill requires the attorney for the Commonwealth in any district court to provide to counsel of record for the accused, if requested, a copy of any relevant police report at least 10 days prior to the date the case is set for trial or preliminary hearing, and such report is subject to limitations on dissemination. The bill further provides that if such materials are provided to counsel of record for the accused in district court for a preliminary hearing, the circuit court shall order such counsel to provide discovery to the attorney for the Commonwealth subject to the relevant Rules of the Supreme Court of Virginia prior to trial in circuit court. Lastly, the bill provides that if at any time during the course of the proceedings it is brought to the attention of the court that the attorney for the Commonwealth has failed to comply with such provisions, the court may order the Commonwealth to permit discovery or inspection, grant a continuance, or prohibit the Commonwealth from introducing evidence not disclosed, or the court may enter such other order as it deems just under the circumstances. This bill is identical to HB 118.
What the bill says
An Act to amend and reenact § 19.2-265.4 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 15 of Title 19.2 an article numbered 4.3, consisting of a section numbered 19.2-264.15, relating to discovery; methods of delivery. [S 24] Approved April 22, 2026 1. That § 19.2-265.4 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 15 of Title 19.2 an article numbered 4.3, consisting of a section numbered 19.2-264.15, as follows: Article 4.3. Discovery; Methods of Delivery. § 19.2-264.15. Discovery; methods of del.