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HB561Introduced in the House of Delegates

Driving while intoxicated; refusal of tests, repeat offenders, ignition interlocks.

Passed

Introduced by Patrick Hope, District 1

What does this bill do?

Plain-English breakdown

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Official description

Driving while intoxicated; refusal of tests; repeat offenders; ignition interlocks. Permits a court to issue a restricted license with immediate installation of ignition interlock systems for certain offenders charged with driving while intoxicated, refusal of tests, or repeat offender violations. The bill also directs the Commission on the Virginia Alcohol Safety Action Program to convene a work group to evaluate the provisions governing driving or operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and submit recommendations and a draft report to the Chairs of the House and Senate Committees for Courts of Justice by November 1, 2026. Current law requires various time limits of driver's license suspension for such violations before a restricted license may be issued.

Where it stands

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1112)

May 14, 2026

How did lawmakers vote?

House of Delegates votes

4 recorded votes · each counted separately

Senate votes

3 recorded votes · each counted separately

House of DelegatesStage: Senate amendments agreed to by House (90-Y 7-N 0-A) · March 11, 2026

90

Yes

7

No

2

Absent or Not Voting

99 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.

See how each delegate voted

Bill history

  1. Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105186D

  2. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)

  4. Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal

  5. House subcommittee offered

  6. Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (10-Y 0-N)

  7. Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s) (22-Y 0-N)

  8. Read first time

  9. Read second time

  10. committee amendments agreed to

  11. Engrossed by House as amended

  12. Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)

  13. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

  14. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

  15. Senate committee offered

  16. Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments (12-Y 2-N)

  17. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)

  18. Rules suspended

  19. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

  20. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

  21. Read third time

  22. Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to

  23. Engrossed by Senate as amended

  24. Passed Senate with amendments (35-Y 5-N 0-A)

  25. Senate amendments agreed to by House (90-Y 7-N 0-A)

  26. Enrolled

  27. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB561ER)

  28. Signed by President

  29. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)

  30. Signed by Speaker

  31. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

  32. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

  33. Governor's recommendation received by House

  34. Passed by for the day

  35. Passed by for the day

  36. Communicated to Governor

  37. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026

  38. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1112 (effective 7/1/2026)

  39. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1112)

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