RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia General Assembly has sent a clear message in support of protecting those who uphold justice, unanimously passing House Bill 124 to enhance penalties for assaults against district court temporary recall judges. The measure, now awaiting action from the Governor, adds these dedicated public servants to the list of protected judicial officials, ensuring that attacks on them while performing their duties carry severe consequences.
HB124 amends Section 18.2-57 of the Code of Virginia, expanding the definition of ‘judge’ to include judges of a district court under temporary recall. Under current law, assault and battery is classified as a Class 1 misdemeanor. However, when committed against a judge engaged in their public duties, the bill elevates the offense to a Class 6 felony, imposing a mandatory minimum term of confinement of six months. This targeted enhancement underscores the critical role these temporary judges play in maintaining the smooth operation of Virginia’s court system, stepping in during times of need to keep justice accessible and timely.
Introduced by Delegate Atoosa Reaser on January 14, 2026, the bill originated as a recommendation from the Committee on District Courts. It progressed swiftly through the legislative process, reflecting widespread recognition of the need to safeguard the judiciary. In the House Courts of Justice Committee, a subcommittee recommended reporting the bill on February 11 with a 10-0 vote, followed by full committee approval on February 13 at 21-0. The full House passed HB124 on February 17 by a block vote of 97-0, after readings on February 15 and 16.
The Senate mirrored this decisive action. Referred to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee on February 18, it received a 13-0 recommendation on February 23 and was rereferred to Finance and Appropriations, which reported it 15-0 on February 25. The Senate dispensed with constitutional readings on February 26 by a 40-0 block vote, passed it for the day, and then approved it on February 27 by 37-0. By March 4, the enrolled bill was signed by the Speaker and President, and on March 10, it was communicated to the Governor, with action due by April 13.
Fiscal impact statements from the Virginia Criminal Sentencing Commission on January 6, the Department of Planning and Budget on January 20 and March 5, confirmed the bill’s practical implications without derailing its momentum. Identical to Senate Bill 144, HB124 demonstrates legislative consensus on prioritizing judicial integrity.
Temporary recall judges fill essential gaps in the district court system, often handling high caseloads in general district courts where regular judges may be unavailable due to illness, vacancy, or overload. These professionals ensure that Virginians receive prompt hearings on civil and criminal matters, from traffic cases to small claims and misdemeanors. By extending felony protections to them, HB124 sends a powerful deterrent to would-be assailants, affirming that interference with judicial duties will not be tolerated.
The unanimous votes across chambers and committees highlight a shared commitment to law and order. House passage at 97-0 included every member present, while Senate approval at 37-0 further solidified the bill’s foundation. This level of agreement is rare in divided times, proving that defending the rule of law transcends politics.
As the bill awaits the Governor’s signature, stakeholders from court administrators to law enforcement await its enactment. Protecting judges under temporary recall not only bolsters personal safety but fortifies public confidence in the judiciary. With mandatory minimum sentencing, HB124 promotes accountability, ensuring offenders face real consequences rather than lenient treatment.
Virginia’s court system relies on these unsung heroes to deliver justice efficiently. HB124 recognizes their service by shielding them from violence, preserving the independence essential for fair rulings. The legislation’s rapid advancement—from prefiling on January 2 to enrollment in early March—exemplifies effective governance focused on public safety.
Supporters emphasize that assaults on judicial officers undermine the entire legal framework. By classifying such acts as felonies with guaranteed jail time, the bill deters crime and reassures judges they can serve without fear. This measure aligns with broader efforts to support frontline justice workers, from magistrates to circuit judges already covered under existing law.
With the Governor’s deadline approaching, HB124 stands poised to become law, reinforcing Virginia’s reputation as a state where the scales of justice are balanced and protected. The unanimous legislative backing provides a strong mandate for swift approval, ensuring temporary recall judges can continue their vital work secure in the knowledge that the Commonwealth has their back.
