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Bill

SB 395

Emergency and temporary detention transportation; clarifies term of "law-enforcement officer."

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Emily Jordan

Virginia bill clarifies which personnel can legally transport people during emergency mental health detentions to standardize procedures statewide.

Senate committee offered
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 395

Legislative bill overview

SB 395 clarifies the definition of "law-enforcement officer" in Virginia law as it applies to emergency and temporary detention transportation. The bill appears to address ambiguities about which personnel are authorized to transport individuals during mental health or crisis detention procedures. This is a technical clarification rather than a substantive policy overhaul.

Why is this important

How "law-enforcement officer" is defined directly affects who can legally transport detainees, influencing costs, training requirements, and liability. Unclear definitions can lead to inconsistent practices across jurisdictions and potential legal challenges. Proper clarification ensures standardized procedures that protect both detainees and transporting personnel.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of authorized personnel: Whether the definition includes only sworn officers or extends to emergency medical technicians, security personnel, or civilian crisis response workers
  • Liability and training implications: Broader definitions may require additional training and insurance considerations for non-traditional law enforcement
  • Cost and resource allocation: Restricting who can transport detainees to sworn officers versus allowing alternatives could significantly impact emergency services budgets

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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