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Bill

HB 1304

Individuals receiving services in a hospital, training center, etc.; right to send and receive mail.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lee Ware

Virginia bill guarantees hospital and care facility residents' right to send and receive mail while permitting reasonable institutional safety restrictions.

Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Bill Summary · HB 1304

Legislative bill overview

HB 1304 establishes and protects the right of individuals receiving services in hospitals, training centers, and similar facilities to send and receive mail without unreasonable restrictions. The bill ensures that institutional residents maintain basic communication rights while allowing facilities to implement reasonable security and safety measures.

Why is this important

Incarcerated individuals and those in involuntary institutional care have historically faced severe communication restrictions that can isolate them from family support systems and legal representation. Protecting mail rights helps ensure due process, maintains family connections critical to mental health outcomes, and creates accountability for institutional practices that may otherwise operate without external oversight.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition of "reasonable" restrictions: Facilities may dispute what constitutes reasonable limitations on mail, creating potential conflicts over censorship of mail content, incoming packages, or correspondence with lawyers and media
  • Security versus rights balance: Institutions may argue that unrestricted mail poses contraband risks (drugs, weapons, escape planning materials) requiring careful monitoring that could delay delivery or require inspection procedures
  • Implementation costs: Hospitals and training centers may claim compliance requires additional staff for mail screening, tracking systems, and record-keeping, raising budget concerns

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

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