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HB 667

Juvenile/domestic rel. district cts.; petition, noncitizen aged 18-21 years for leg. custody/relief.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Elizabeth Bennett-Parker and 11 co-sponsors

Virginia bill allows noncitizens aged 18-21 to seek legal custody through juvenile courts, expanding protections for immigrant youth aging out of care systems.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0656)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 667

Legislative bill overview

HB 667 allows noncitizen young adults aged 18-21 to petition juvenile and domestic relations district courts for legal custody and related relief. This expands access to court protections previously limited to younger minors, creating a legal pathway for immigrant youth who may lack parental care or guardianship.

Why is this important

Many noncitizen youth aging out of foster care or facing family separation lack legal guardians and cannot access certain protections and benefits tied to court-ordered custody. This bill addresses a gap where 18-21 year-olds fall between juvenile court jurisdiction (typically ending at 18) and adult proceedings, potentially affecting housing stability, immigration relief eligibility, and access to social services for a vulnerable population.

Potential points of contention

  • Jurisdictional scope: Expanding juvenile court authority to adults 18-21 raises questions about whether family courts are the appropriate venue or if immigration/adult courts should handle these cases
  • Eligibility and documentation: Determining how courts will verify noncitizen status and establish eligibility without creating barriers or privacy concerns for undocumented immigrants
  • Resource implications: Juvenile court systems may face increased caseloads and costs; unclear whether funding accompanies the expanded mandate
  • Immigration system intersection: Ambiguity about how state court custody orders interact with federal immigration proceedings and whether they provide meaningful benefits under current immigration law

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

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