Virginia HB 43: Suicide; abolishes common-law crime, delayed effective date, report.

Status: Approved by Governor-Chapter 785 (effective 7/1/2026) (as of 2026-04-13)

State: Virginia · Session: 2026 · Bill: HB 43

Sponsors: Marcus B. Simon, Betsy B. Carr, Bonita G. Anthony, Jackie H. Glass, Kathy K.L. Tran, Marcia S. "Cia" Price, Michael B. Feggans, Nadarius E. Clark, Virgil Thornton

Bill Text

2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26100450D

HOUSE BILL NO. 43

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled December 23, 2025

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 18.2-16.1, relating to abolishing the common-law crime of suicide.

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Patrons—Simon, Feggans, Anthony, Carr, Clark, Glass, Price, Thornton and Tran

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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 the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 18.2-16.1 as follows:

§ 18.2-16.1. Common-law crime of suicide abolished.

The common-law crime of suicide is hereby abolished.

2. That the provisions of this act shall become effective on July 1, 2027.

3. That the Bureau of Insurance of the State Corporation Commission shall review the effect and implication of abolishing the common-law crime of suicide on insurance throughout the Commonwealth and submit its findings and any recommendations by November 1, 2026, to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice.

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