SB229Introduced in the Senate
Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions.
Introduced by Scott Surovell, District 34
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Civil actions filed on behalf of multiple persons; class actions; violations of Virginia Consumer Protection Act; award of damages. Provides that one or more members of a class may, as representative parties on behalf of all members, bring a civil action or may be proceeded against in a civil action, provided that (i) the class is so numerous that joinder of all members is impracticable, (ii) there are questions of law or fact common to the class, (iii) the claims or defenses of the representative parties are typical of the claims or defenses of the class, and (iv) the representative parties shall fairly and adequately protect the interests of the class. The bill further sets out the procedure to certify a class action, the duties of counsel appointed in a class action, the various orders a court may issue during the course of a class action, and the process by which a settlement, voluntary dismissal, or compromise may occur. The bill also applies the procedure by which an individual may be awarded damages in an action for a violation of the Virginia Consumer Protection Act to a class action. Finally, the bill permits the Court of Appeals to permit an appeal to be taken from an order certifying a class in accordance with the provisions of the bill or any other order that is not a final order of the circuit court in a class action. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027. This bill is identical to HB 449.
Where it stands
Vetoed by Governor
May 19, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
5 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A) · April 22, 2026
21
Yes
18
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
40 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Michael Jones | 77 | Yes |
| Timmy French | 1 | No |
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | No |
| Chris Head | 3 | Absent |
| David Suetterlein | 4 | No |
| Travis Hackworth | 5 | No |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | No |
| William Stanley | 7 | No |
| Mark Peake | 8 | No |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104685D
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Introduced bill reprinted 26104685D
Courts of Justice Substitute
Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N)
Committee substitute printed 26105720D-S1
Reported from Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Passed by for the day
Read second time
Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to
Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute (Voice Vote)
Read third time and passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice
Reported from Courts of Justice (15-Y 7-N)
Read second time
Read third time
Passed House (64-Y 33-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB229ER)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB229)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Governor's recommendation received by Senate
Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A)
Communicated to Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026
Governor's Veto Received by Senate
Vetoed by Governor
Verify the information
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