House approves package of bills on juvenile shackling, human-trafficking vacatur, school policy and other measures

RICHMOND — The Virginia House of Delegates on Feb. 10, 2025, passed a package of Senate bills that included limits on shackling juveniles in court, a process for vacating certain convictions for survivors of human trafficking, school-cell-phone policy changes and other measures affecting criminal procedure, education and administrative processes.

The House considered a mixture of uncontested third‑reading bills and several measures that drew recorded roll calls. Lawmakers voted to pass the bills listed below; where the House recorded a final tally, it is noted.

Among the bills approved was legislation limiting the use of restraints on juveniles in delinquency proceedings, allowing shackles only when a judge finds a child presents a threat of harm, has a history of disruptive courtroom behavior, or is a substantial flight risk. That measure moved forward after a committee substitute was agreed to and was described on the floor as identical to a House bill that had passed unanimously.

The House also passed legislation creating a statutory process for survivors of human trafficking to seek vacatur of certain convictions, a measure the House sponsor said had previously passed this body 96‑0.

Separately, the chamber enacted…