VA Senate · SB 351

Courthouses; certain civil arrests prohibited, penalty.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation prohibits federal immigration officials from making civil arrests of individuals within the precincts of Virginia courthouses. The law aims to ensure that victims, witnesses, and defendants can attend court proceedings to seek justice or fulfill legal obligations without the fear of being detained for civil immigration violations. By limiting immigration enforcement actions in these settings, the bill seeks to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and maintain access to legal services for all residents, regardless of their immigration status. Violations of this policy by law enforcement could result in legal penalties. For Arlington residents, this change primarily impacts local court operations, ensuring that the judicial system remains a neutral ground focused solely on legal matters rather than immigration enforcement.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 14, 2026 · VA House · pass
62 – 35 · 2 other
Full roll call
Adopt Conference Committee Report
Mar 14, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
21 – 18 · 1 other
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
64 – 35
Full roll call
Reported from Public Safety with substitute
Feb 27, 2026 · VA House · pass
15 – 7
Full roll call
Passage
Feb 3, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
21 – 18 · 1 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed
Jan 30, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
38 – 0 · 2 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Jan 28, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
9 – 6
Arlington delegation
Full roll call