Courts of Justice subcommittees report multiple civil and criminal bills; votes at a glance

The civil and criminal subcommittees of the House Courts of Justice committee reported a slate of bills to the full committee during the session, advancing measures on public housing tenant protections, voting‑eligibility standards for incapacitated persons, expanded definitions for certain public‑safety offenses and property seizure for financial exploitation of vulnerable adults.

Many bills were reported unanimously or with strong majorities; several received contested votes. Below is a concise summary of the bills discussed and the committee roll results as recorded during the meeting.

Votes at a glance

- HB 23‑51 (Delegate Hernandez): Removes the $25,000,000 cap on suspension bonds and irrevocable letters of credit for appellants during appeals. Reported (block) 17‑0.

- HB 24‑31 (substitute): Allows certain graduates who studied law under supervision to sit for the Virginia bar exam (language developed with input from OES, VBBE and SCHEV). Reported (block) 17‑0.

- HB 24‑15 (Delegate Cousins, substitute): Exempts indigent defendants from posting an appeal bond in unlawful detainer actions brought by a public housing authority; restricts public housing authorities from charging tenants for maintenance except when…