House of Delegates Speak

Public Comments for 01/26/2026 Courts of Justice - Civil

HB73 - Juvenile and domestic relations district courts; petitions for relief of care and custody.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

OPPOSE HB 73 ON ACCOUNT OF GOVERNMENT AGENCIES DON'T KNOW RELATIONSHIP HISTORY/SURROGATES AND WASTE OF GOVERNMENT FUNDS. OPPOSE HB 202 ON ACCOUNT OF GENTRIFICATION. SUPPORT HB 273 ON ACCOUNT OF LIFE SAVING OPPORTUNITIES ARE NECESSARY AND PROPER. OPPOSE HB 133 ON ACCOUNT OF FRAUD/WITNESS_TAMPERING OF WILLS/TRUST. SUPPORT HB 350 ON ACCOUNT OF WITNESS_TAMPERING JURY TRIAL. SUPPORT HB 364 ON ACCOUNT OF COST OF LIVING HAS INCREASE. SUPPORT HB 449 ON ACCOUNT OF SLAVERY/REPARATIONS/VICTIMS OF CHATTEL SLAVERY. OPPOSE HB 510 ON ACCOUNT OF PERVERTING-THE-COURSE-OF-JUSTICE. SUPPORT HB 538 ON ACCOUNT OF JEFFREY_EPSTEIN/CASE LAW... WITNESS_TAMPERING/INTIMIDATION OF VICTIM OF PEDOPHILIA/INCEST/CHILD SEX ABUSE. SUPPORT HB 671 ON ACCOUNT OF HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE/GED. OPPOSE HB 803 ON ACCOUNT OF GENTRIFICATION.

Last Name: Breslau Organization: Coalition for Justice Locality: Roanoke

It is time to enact ong overdue reform in our prisons, jails, and courts.

HB133 - Electronic execution of estate planning documents; codifies Uniform Electronic Wills Act.

Last Name: Teal Organization: Trust & Will Locality: Albany, NY

Comments Document

Letter supporting House Bill 133 attached.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

HB202 - Single-family-homes; prohibited acquisition, civil penalty.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

HB273 - Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb, civil immunity.

Last Name: Sadler Locality: Prince William County

Myself and other law enforcement officers throughout the Commonwealth support HB 273 and the language inlcuded therein. We hope codifying what is already found in General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures in law enforcement agencies will also aid in providing essential medical training through DCJS, especially to those agencies that lack sufficient funding to provide it through their own budgets.

Last Name: Pitts Locality: Warren

Good afternoon, I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. To my knowledge, all of the jurisdictions require law enforcement officers to render aid to people in need. I agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train. Also, I hope supervisors snd commanders in charge of those units are at least the same or higher certified than those under their supervision for optimal use.

Last Name: Woodhouse Organization: PBA Locality: James City County

Good afternoon, this is Ben Woodhouse, President of the Colonial Chapter of Virginia Police Benevolent Association (PBA). I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I have been in touch with our chapter Presidents across the Commonwealth and have found all of the jurisdictions they know of, require law enforcement officers to render aid to people in need. We agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. I would also hope that if an agency already has medically trained staff staff to the level of EMT, or Paramedic that they be utilized to train others to save lives. Thank you for your time. Ben Woodhouse

Last Name: Gallione Organization: Virginia Police Benevolent Association Locality: Hanover

Good afternoon, My name is Mike Gallione, and I serve as a Chapter President with the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (PBA). I am writing in support of Delegate Helmer’s bill, HB273. I have been in communication with chapter presidents across the Commonwealth and have found that, in every jurisdiction they are aware of, law enforcement officers are already required to render aid to individuals in need. We support the bill’s language requiring such aid to be rendered “without endangering himself, the person, or others,” as well as the provisions outlined in Section B of the bill. It is my hope that the passage of HB273 will provide law enforcement agencies with additional resources for training and equipment through the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS). Additionally, this bill presents an opportunity for agencies with officers who are already certified EMTs or paramedics to better utilize their expertise in training fellow law enforcement personnel. For agencies that already have medical programs in place, I encourage the use of medically trained officers in a more structured and effective training capacity. Ideally, these programs should be overseen by supervisors or commanders who hold equal or higher medical certifications than those under their supervision, ensuring optimal effectiveness and accountability. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Last Name: Paisley Locality: Stafford

I am writing in support of Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I am a law enforcement officer and I agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train. Also, well as have supervisors snd commanders in charge of those units that are at least the same or higher certified than those under their supervision for optimal use.

Last Name: duckett Locality: Fredericksburg

Good afternoon, I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I have been in touch with our chapter Presidents across the Commonwealth and have found all of the jurisdictions they know of, require law enforcement officers to render aid to people in need. We agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train. Also, well as have supervisors snd commanders in charge of those units that are at least the same or higher certified than those under their supervision for optimal use.

Last Name: Bryner Organization: VAPBA Locality: Bumpass

Good afternoon, this is Tim Bryner, President of the Spotsylvania Chapter of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (PBA). I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train.

Last Name: nevel Locality: Farnham

Good afternoon, I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I have been in touch with officers across the state and found all of the jurisdictions they know of, require law enforcement officers to render aid to people in need. We agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train. Also, well as have supervisors snd commanders in charge of those units that are at least the same or higher certified than those under their supervision for optimal use.

Last Name: Pine Organization: Virginia Police Benevolent Association Locality: Mount Crawford

Please consider passing this bill so that police officers may be better trained and equipped to provide on the scene medical aid in the performance of their duties. Thank you.

Last Name: Debreczy Locality: Loudoun

I'm supporting this bill.

Last Name: Woloszyn Organization: Virginia Police Benevolent Association Locality: Strasburg

Good afternoon, this is Joe Woloszyn, President of the Virginia Police Benevolent Association (PBA). I am writing in support if Delegates Helmer’s bill HB273. I have been in touch with our chapter Presidents across the Commonwealth and have found all of the jurisdictions they know of, require law enforcement officers to render aid to people in need. We agree with the language “without endangering himself, the person, or others” as well as Section B of the bill. I hope that the passing of this bill can provide law enforcement agencies with more resources for training and equipment through DCJS. It is also my hope that with this bill, agencies that have law enforcement officers that are already certified EMTs and Paramedics can utilize their expertise with the training of law enforcement personnel. And for agencies that have medical programs in place already, that they utilize their officers that are medically trained as EMTs and Paramedics in a more resourceful way to help train. Also, well as have supervisors snd commanders in charge of those units that are at least the same or higher certified than those under their supervision for optimal use.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

Last Name: Wright Organization: Uproar, first second chance Locality: Stephens City

Any officer who breaks the law should face the same charges if not harsher being they know the law thier should not be any immunity against any law enforcement officer or corrections officer if the law is broken it is broken no matter the crime . Giving them civil immunity will allow them to be able to break the law and not worry about law suits I am sure if an officer shoots a family member of yours you would want them prosecuted and be able to sue for what they have done . Most officers already commit crimes knowing they have immunity this is not a good bill in America anyone who commits a crime should be punished

Last Name: Breslau Organization: Coalition for Justice Locality: Roanoke

It is time to enact ong overdue reform in our prisons, jails, and courts.

HB306 - Wills and estates; claims to exempt property and allowances.

No Comments Available

HB307 - Administration of estates; claims against decedent or estate.

No Comments Available

HB350 - Jury service; exemption for law-enforcement officers and fire marshals.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

HB364 - Small claims court; jurisdictional limit.

Last Name: Atkinson Organization: General Public Locality: Chesterfield

As someone who has an extensive legal background and someone who believes in supporting small business, I believe this bill is common sense for everyday people and small business growth.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

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

Last Name: White Locality: Lynchburg City

I am writing in support of HB449. Virginia remains only one of two states in the U.S. without state class actions. The absence of this remedy means that small dollar fraud and other legal violations do not get addressed. The company committing the fraud or violation can continue to take these unlawful amounts because they are so small. It is not worth it for an individual to take action and the company's practice gets to continue. I recently spoke with an elderly person who was charged an unlawful $70 fee in the form company loan documents. This was an unlawful practice affecting hundreds of Virginians that could have been stopped with a class action. Without that tool, this company gets to keep up this illegal action with impunity and make money off of Virginians. Practices like these that are allowed to continue harm the law-abiding businesses. The shady company makes more money and profit than the company with integrity. You will likely hear from industry representatives talking about how it will harm businesses, run them out of the state and other things in the "parade of horribles." Please do not ignore fact that state class actions operate in 48 other states and businesses manage to operate there and follow the law.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

HB510 - Uniform Power of Attorney Act; agent's duty of disclosure.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

HB538 - Statute of limitations; sexual abuse of a minor, act by a person of authority.

Last Name: Burke Locality: James City County

Vote "yes" on this bill. Abusing a child is one of the most despicable crimes, and there is no reason to have a statute of limitations. Children are too young to speak up, sometimes the memories get cordoned off in the mind to protect themselves, and the average age to speak up is 52. If you vote "no", then you are protecting the abuser instead of the abused. A man spoke at a previous presentation of this bill to say that if you remove the statute of limitation, then it might cost more for insurance for some companies. Well, Virginia legislators, who are you protecting? The child victims, the abuser or the companies? You should protect the child victims and vote "yes." If insurance companies gouge customers, then maybe that's who legislators should target. When a child is abused, the crime last forever, so there should be no limitation in punishing the abuser.

Last Name: Furey Organization: Sheila M. Furey, M.D., PC Locality: Richmond

Support this bill. Children often will not reveal abuse until years after it has occurred. Abusers often tell the victim that no one will believe them or that they will be blamed and hated if they reveal the information. It often takes many years for the victim to reveal the information and the perpetrators need to be prosecuted.

Last Name: Taydus Locality: Chesterfield

Child USA 2024 Disclosure of CSA is a complex, lifelong process. The process of disclosure often takes decades, and the “ideal” timing of disclosure should be up to the victim. Over 70% of victims do not disclose within five years of their experience of abuse. Most victims are only able to acknowledge and describe the abuse in adulthood. Approximately 1 in 5 victims of CSA never disclose their experiences of abuse. the average length of time before disclosure is around 20 years. Those who have experienced institutional abuse face an additional hurdle that appears to further delay disclosure. The average age of disclosure is 53. The Department of Justice estimated that 86% of CSA went unreported by victims before adulthood Immediate disclosure is rare. Most victims are not able to disclose to a mandated reporter or legal authority for decades because of the barriers they face. CSA victims face a variety of barriers to disclosure. There are profound long-term psychological, physical, and behavioral impacts of CSA trauma, and many victims do not report their experiences of abuse at the time due to social, psychological, or institutional barriers. Barriers include Trauma response: Early experiences of trauma impact the child’s brain development and functioning. Inability to communicate: Young children are typically unable to fully understand CSA and lack the language to describe the abuse Psychological barriers: Following abuse, victims may respond to the trauma by blaming themselves for what happened and feeling a sense of guilt. Gender: Although girls are more likely to be abused, male victims tend to disclose abuse later in life. One study found that men needed nearly 30 years before they were able to have a helpful, in-depth discussion about the abuse. Relationship to Perpetrator: Perpetrators are most likely to be a family member or someone known to the child. For their victims, the abuse is confusing, and the child may even feel like they need to protect the abuser Dysfunction in the family- CSA often occurs with other forms of child abuse or domestic violence, and survivors have reported fearing the reactions of others if they disclosed or the consequences of disclosure if police or other authorities became involved. Institutional setting- Many perpetrators of institutional CSA have a close relationship with the victim and are often a trusted adult in a position of authority or power. Abusers use their authority and power to take advantage of children who are isolated or have unmet needs Environmental & Cultural Barriers: Neighborhood or community conditions also act as a barrier, especially if there is a lack of family, school, or community support. Statutes of limitations (SOLs) were created centuries ago to promote fairness, assuming that evidence grows stale, witnesses disappear, and memories fade with time. But child sexual abuse is not like a breach of contract or a car accident case ; these are unique and devastating harms against children. Survivors often cannot speak for decades, silenced by trauma, shame, or fear. Many carry their painful shame to their grave. Under strict SOLs, survivors are told you are too late. The courthouse doors close not because the abuse did not happen, but because the arbitrary time limit has passed. abuse does not respect the clock, and healing may take decades, and for some —a lifetime.

Last Name: Lester Locality: Mecklenburg

I write in strong support of House Bill 538 and respectfully urge the Justice Committee to advance this legislation. My support for this bill is deeply personal and rooted in public safety. As a child, I was sexually abused by a teacher entrusted with my care. Like many survivors, I did not disclose the abuse at the time. The power imbalance, fear, grooming, and institutional silence surrounding abuse by authority figures made disclosure feel impossible. Years later, as an adult, I encountered my abuser on school property. That moment reopened trauma I had spent a lifetime trying to survive quietly. In 2019, I reported my assault for the first time after seeing him present in a school environment. Even then, the system did not protect children the way it should have. In 2024, legislation allowed my abuser to be removed early from the sex offender registry for crimes involving another child. That removal created a dangerous gap in community protection. Fearing for the safety of others, I cooperated with law enforcement, including undercover work, and obtained a confession. That cooperation ultimately resulted in felony charges, including rape, sodomy, and kidnapping. As a result, he is now back on the registry as a Level 3 offender for life. I did not take these actions only as a survivor. I took them as a paramedic. My professional life is built around crisis response, prevention, and protecting the public when systems fail. I am trained to assess risk, act decisively under pressure, and intervene when delay means harm. From that public-safety perspective, I saw firsthand how existing law created an opening that placed children at risk. Warning systems exist for a reason, and when they are weakened, communities pay the price. House Bill 538 recognizes a fundamental truth that survivors and first responders understand well: trauma does not operate on a timetable. Survivors often need years—sometimes decades—before they are emotionally, psychologically, or physically able to come forward. Artificial deadlines do not promote justice; they protect perpetrators and silence victims. This bill is not about punishment without due process. It is about ensuring that when survivors are finally able to speak, the law does not turn them away. It aligns Virginia’s legal framework with well-established medical and psychological understanding of trauma and delayed disclosure. As a parent, a paramedic, and a lifelong advocate for community safety, I believe House Bill 538 is a necessary step toward accountability, prevention, and healing. Children deserve protection that does not expire. Survivors deserve a justice system that does not retraumatize them by telling them they waited too long to be heard. I respectfully ask this committee to move House Bill 538 forward. Virginia has an opportunity to lead with courage, compassion, and common sense—and to stand unequivocally on the side of survivors and child safety. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Last Name: Burke Locality: James City County

Please vote "yes" to HB538. There should be no statute of limitations to the sexual abuse of an infant or child. It is a most heinous crime, and, obviously, the victims are too little to speak for themselves. These crimes don't get revealed by victims until the average age of 52. Why would any legislator want to protect the abusers of children due to an arbitrary cut-off point? FYI, the U.S. Congress is introducing a bill to incentivize states to remove the statute of limitations (HR5560). Allow for justice for these child victims. Vote "yes."

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

Last Name: connors Locality: stafford

WE NEED THIS TO PASS!!!!! PROTECT MYLGBTQIAP+ FRIENDS. LOVE IS LOVE!!!

HB671 - Jurors; exemptions from jury service upon request, competency to perform jury duty.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

Last Name: Beadnell Organization: The Arc of Northern Virginia Locality: Fairfax

The Arc of Northern Virginia and REV UP Virginia support this bill. We have talked to people who wanted to serve on a jury but were not given basic accommodations, and feel this bill would remedy that issue and bring us in line with the long standing Americans with Disabilities Act (1990).

Last Name: Jordan Organization: Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus Locality: Prince William

On behalf of the Virginia Young Democrats Disability Caucus, we'd like to express our full support and endorsement for HB 671. This bill would prohibit the exclusion of individuals with disabilities from jury service on the basis of disability, and would require that any determination of competency be made only after reasonable accommodations have been provided.

HB803 - Repairs or maintenance of property; entering adjoining property, petition for entry.

Last Name: Newby Organization: Self/me Locality: Petersburg

End of Comments