VA Senate · SB 158

Judicial district and circuit courts; maximum number of judges.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation adjusts the maximum number of authorized judgeships across various judicial districts and circuit courts in Virginia. By standardizing these judicial caps, the bill aims to improve the efficiency and administrative capacity of the state’s court system, ensuring that caseloads can be managed more effectively. For Arlington residents, this move is intended to prevent court backlogs and streamline legal proceedings, helping to ensure that local civil and criminal cases move through the judicial system in a timely manner. While the bill sets the upper limits for judicial personnel, actual staffing levels will continue to depend on state funding and judicial appointments. Overall, the measure serves as a logistical update to maintain the functional balance of Virginia's legal infrastructure.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 11, 2026 · VA House · pass
99 – 0
Full roll call
Adopt Conference Committee Report
Mar 11, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Accede Conference Committee
Mar 10, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Concur House Substitute
Mar 6, 2026 · VA Senate · fail
0 – 40
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 4, 2026 · VA House · pass
99 – 0
Full roll call
Roll call
Mar 4, 2026 · VA House · pass
97 – 0 · 2 other
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Mar 2, 2026 · VA House · pass
22 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 13, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
38 – 0 · 2 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading)
Feb 13, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
38 – 0 · 2 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed
Feb 12, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Finance and Appropriations
Feb 11, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
15 – 0
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Jan 28, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
14 – 0 · 1 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call