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SB 713

Sheriffs; courthouse and courtroom security, concurrent jurisdiction of certain officers, etc.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Creigh Deeds

Virginia SB 713 expands law enforcement jurisdiction for sheriffs and courthouse security officers beyond traditional courthouse boundaries to enhance judicial facility security operations.

Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB713)
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Bill Summary · SB 713

Legislative bill overview

SB 713 expands the concurrent jurisdiction of certain law enforcement officers beyond courthouses and courtrooms, granting sheriffs and designated officers broader authority to conduct security and law enforcement activities in courthouse facilities and surrounding areas. The bill modifies existing statutes governing courthouse security protocols and the jurisdictional scope of officers assigned to protect judicial facilities.

Why is this important

Courthouse security is a critical public safety function, and expanding officer jurisdiction can streamline security operations and incident response in and around judicial buildings. However, broader officer authority also raises questions about the balance between security needs and potential overreach, particularly regarding where and when these expanded powers apply.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "concurrent jurisdiction": The bill's language about officers operating "concurrent" with existing authority could create ambiguity about where expanded powers begin and end, and whether they extend beyond courthouse grounds into neighboring areas
  • Oversight and accountability: Expanding officer authority without corresponding oversight mechanisms or clear guidelines on when these powers can be exercised may create accountability gaps
  • Cost and resource allocation: Implementation may require additional training, staffing, or resources for sheriff's offices, with unclear funding mechanisms specified in the bill

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

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