VA House · HB 118

Discovery materials or evidence; accused may request to copy or photograph any materials.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation strengthens the rights of individuals accused of crimes by ensuring they have meaningful access to the evidence held against them. Under current practices, legal teams often face hurdles in reviewing or duplicating case materials, which can complicate trial preparation. This bill clarifies that a defendant has the explicit right to copy, photograph, or otherwise reproduce any discovery materials provided by the prosecution. By removing barriers to accessing these files, the measure aims to streamline the pre-trial process and promote a fairer judicial system for Arlington residents. This change is expected to improve the quality of legal defense and reduce procedural delays in local courtrooms, ensuring that all parties can thoroughly review evidence as part of the standard discovery process.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Adopt Conference Committee Report
Mar 13, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
39 – 0 · 1 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 12, 2026 · VA House · pass
81 – 14 · 4 other
Full roll call
Insist & Request
Mar 5, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
39 – 0 · 1 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 3, 2026 · VA House · fail
4 – 94 · 1 other
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 27, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
37 – 0 · 3 other
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading)
Feb 26, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute
Feb 25, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
15 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice
Feb 23, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
14 – 0 · 1 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Feb 3, 2026 · VA House · pass
96 – 2 · 2 other
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Jan 28, 2026 · VA House · pass
20 – 0 · 2 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call