Virginia HB 331: Proceedings deferred; payment of costs.

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101411D

HOUSE BILL NO. 331

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 11, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 19.2-303.4 of the Code of Virginia, relating to payment of costs when proceedings deferred and defendant placed on probation.

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Patron—McClure

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 19.2-303.4 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 19.2-303.4. Payment of costs when proceedings deferred and defendant placed on probation.

A circuit or district court, which has deferred further proceedings, without entering a judgment of guilt, and placed a defendant on probation subject to terms and conditions pursuant to § 4.1-305, 16.1-278.8, 16.1-278.9, 18.2-57.3, 18.2-61, 18.2-67.1, 18.2-67.2, 18.2-251, 19.2-298.02, 19.2-303.2, or 19.2-303.6 shall impose upon the defendant costs. If all other terms and conditions of such deferral are satisfied except for payment of such costs and fees, a court shall not enter a judgment of guilty against such defendant for his failure to pay such costs or fees or participate in an alternative method of satisfying such costs or fees. Such costs and fees shall remain due until paid, and a court may use the same methods of payment and collection already in place to satisfy or collect any outstanding costs or fees after the underlying case against the defendant has been dismissed.