VA House · HB 273

Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb, civil immunity.

In plain English (AI summary)

This legislation establishes a formal legal mandate for law enforcement officers in Virginia to provide reasonable medical assistance to individuals experiencing life-threatening injuries or limb-threatening harm while in police custody or during active encounters. To encourage immediate intervention, the bill simultaneously provides these officers with qualified civil immunity, protecting them from personal liability when acting in good faith to render aid. For Arlington residents, this measure aims to standardize emergency response protocols across local departments, potentially improving survival rates during critical incidents. By clarifying the legal expectations for officers, the bill seeks to balance the necessity of immediate life-saving actions with the legal protections required to ensure personnel feel empowered to prioritize public health during high-stress interactions with the community.

View original bill

Roll-call votes

Roll call
Mar 12, 2026 · VA House · pass
62 – 35 · 2 other
Full roll call
Passage
Mar 11, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
21 – 19
Full roll call
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading)
Mar 10, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
40 – 0
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute
Mar 9, 2026 · VA Senate · pass
9 – 4 · 2 other
Full roll call
Roll call
Feb 3, 2026 · VA House · pass
64 – 34 · 2 other
Full roll call
Reported from Courts of Justice
Jan 28, 2026 · VA House · pass
14 – 6 · 2 other
Arlington delegation
Full roll call