Legislative Updates

SB495 – Risk Order Updates

Patron: Senator Deeds
Current Status: Passed the Virginia Senate 21–19; referred to the House Courts of Justice Committee

Summary
SB495 expands and clarifies several provisions related to Risk Orders. The bill:

• Adds additional eligible petitioners

• Clarifies the use of Risk Orders involving minors

• Authorizes courts issuing emergency orders to also issue final orders

• Expands the criteria judges and magistrates must consider during hearings

Legislative Action

• Passed Senate Courts of Justice Committee

• Passed the Virginia Senate (21–19)

• Referred to the House Courts of Justice Committee

HB901 – Risk Order Companion Legislation

Patron: Delegate Sullivan
Current Status: Passed the House Courts of Justice Committee (15–7)

Summary
HB901 serves as the House companion bill to SB495. Delegate Sullivan has indicated a substitute version will be offered to mirror the updated language introduced by Senator Deeds in SB495.

Legislative Action

• Passed the House Courts of Justice Committee (15–7)

• Expected to be considered on the House floor in the coming days

HB896 – Risk Order Training and Public Education

Patron: Delegate Sullivan
Current Status: Passed House Public Safety Committee (15–7) and House Appropriations Committee (15–7)

Summary
HB896 directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to develop and provide training and educational resources related to Risk Orders. This includes:

• Training for public safety agencies, including law enforcement

• A public education component to increase awareness and understanding of Risk Orders

Legislative Action

• Passed House Public Safety Committee (15–7)

• Referred to the House Appropriations Committee to address the fiscal impact statement from the Department of Planning and Budget

• Passed House Appropriations Committee (15–7)

• Expected to move to the House floor

HB1071 – Risk Order Training for School Threat Assessment Teams

Patron: Delegate Laufer
Current Status: Passed the House of Delegates (64–32) on February 10; referred to the Senate Education and Health Committee

Summary
HB1071 requires training on Risk Orders for threat assessment teams in educational institutions. The bill applies to:

• K–12 schools

• Public colleges and universities

The goal is to strengthen prevention and response efforts within school-based threat assessment teams.

Legislative Action

• Passed House Education Committee (17–4)

• Passed the Virginia House of Delegates (64–32) on February 10

• Referred to the Senate Education and Health Committee