HB561Introduced in the House of Delegates
Driving while intoxicated; refusal of tests, repeat offenders, ignition interlocks.
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
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Adele McClure | 2 | Yes |
| Alfonso Lopez | 3 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Kirk McPike | 5 | Yes |
| Richard Sullivan | 6 | Yes |
| Karen Keys-Gamarra | 7 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Karrie Delaney | 9 | Yes |
| Dan Helmer | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105186D
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)
Assigned HCJ sub: Criminal
House subcommittee offered
Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (10-Y 0-N)
Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s) (22-Y 0-N)
Read first time
Read second time
committee amendments agreed to
Engrossed by House as amended
Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N 0-A)
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Senate committee offered
Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments (12-Y 2-N)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Read third time
Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to
Engrossed by Senate as amended
Passed Senate with amendments (35-Y 5-N 0-A)
Senate amendments agreed to by House (90-Y 7-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB561ER)
Signed by President
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB561)
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Governor's recommendation received by House
Passed by for the day
Passed by for the day
Communicated to Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 1112 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1112)
Verify the information
- Official page on the Virginia Legislature website
- Criminal Subcommittee Amendment (amendment)
- Courts of Justice Amendment (amendment)
- Courts of Justice Amendment (amendment)
- Courts of Justice Amendment (amendment)
- Courts of Justice Amendment (amendment)
- Senate Amendments (amendment)
- Fiscal Note/Analysis (supplement)
- Fiscal Note/Analysis (supplement)
- Fiscal Note/Analysis (supplement)
- Veto Letter (supplement)
- Introduced (text)
- Engrossed (text)
- Enrolled (text)
- Chaptered (text)
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