PASSED THE HOUSE AND SENATE. PENDING THE GOVERNOR'S ACTION

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HB449 Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions

Introduced by Marcus B. Simon (Chief Patron) [D]

View the bill here.

Provides that one or more members of a class may, as representative parties on behalf of all members, bring a civil action or may be proceeded against in a civil action, provided that (i) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable, (ii) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (iii) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (iv) the representative parties shall fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. The bill further sets out the procedure to certify a class action, the duties of counsel appointed in a class action, the various orders a court may issue during the course of a class action, and the process by which a settlement, voluntary dismissal, or compromise may occur. The bill also applies the procedure by which an individual may be awarded damages in an action for a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to a class action. Finally, the bill permits the Court of Appeals to permit an appeal to be taken from an order certifying a class in accordance with the provisions of the bill or any other order that is not a final order of the circuit court in a class action. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. This bill is identical to SB 229.

1/26/2026 House-CJ Civil subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7‑Y 3‑N)

1/28/2026 Reported from House-Courts of Justice committee with substitute (14‑Y 6‑N)

2/o3/2026 Read third time and passed House (64‑Y 34‑N 0‑A)

3/04/2026 Passed Senate (22‑Y 18‑N 0‑A)

3/11/2026 Senate. Signed by President

3/12/2026 House. Signed by Speaker

3/14/2026 Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

 

 

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