Shortens Deadline to Collect Court Fines
Virginia · HB268 · Introduced Jan 9, 2026
Why it matters
People who owe court fines or penalties could be shielded from collection after the deadline passes. Jailed defendants would get longer to pay, with payment due at least 180 days after release.
What it does
- Sets a 10-year deadline to sue for unpaid penalties and costs from circuit courts
- Sets a 30-year deadline for penalties and costs imposed by general district courts
- Bars collection suits after the deadline passes, and bars restarting the clock by any means
- Requires deferred payment plans for jailed defendants, with payments starting 180 days after release
- Sets the collection deadline for those payment plans to start on their due date
Status
Latest action (2026-07-21): Continued from last session
About this bill
Would set 10- and 30-year deadlines for collecting court penalties and costs, and bar collection suits after those deadlines pass. The rules would apply starting January 1, 2027.
Perspectives
💬 The case for
Some legal aid groups would likely say firm deadlines keep old debts from following people for decades. Court reform advocates may argue that payment plans help people re-enter society.
💬 The case against
Some county and court officials would likely say the deadlines let unpaid debts expire too soon. They may also say restricting collection costs local governments money.
Sponsored by
Sponsor details for this state bill are at the source link.
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