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VA HB1257

VA HB1257: Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technologies & interrogation practices; forensic lab. Verified

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AI Summary

This bill mandates a framework for law enforcement's use of generative AI, machine learning, audiovisual surveillance technologies, and interrogation practices, including basic training and recertification, with specific training deadlines for officers employed before July 1, 2026. It also prohibits the purchase of unapproved forensic analysis equipment by both local law enforcement and campus police departments, requiring approval from the Department of Forensic Science or the Forensic Science Board.

Business Impact

If you operate a law enforcement agency in Virginia, you must implement a compliance framework for AI technologies by July 1, 2024, or face penalties.

State
Virginia
Bill Number
HB1257
Status
Introduced
Risk Level
Medium
Category
Comprehensive
Effective Date
Jan 1, 2030
Last Action
Feb 2, 2026
Last Verified
May 4, 2026
Data Updated
May 4, 2026
Version
v2
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced — Filed in the legislature; not yet heard in committee
In Committee — Assigned to and being reviewed by a legislative committee
Passed — Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action
Signed / Enacted — Signed into law by the governor; may or may not be in effect yet
Dead / Vetoed — Vetoed, failed to pass, or session expired without action
Unknown — Status data not yet available or awaiting classification

Affected Industries

Employment Finance Law Enforcement

Topics How we classify →

What This Means

Virginia's HB1257 seeks to regulate the use of advanced technologies like generative AI, machine learning, and audiovisual surveillance in law enforcement. It requires the Department of Criminal Justice to ensure officers employed before July 1, 2026, complete training by January 1, 2030. Additionally, it prohibits the purchase of unapproved forensic analysis equipment by local law enforcement and campus police departments, with necessary approval from the Department of Forensic Science or the Forensic Science Board.

Key Provisions

Latest Legislative Action

Continued to next session in Communications, Technology and Innovation (Voice Vote)

Bill Sponsors

Name Role District
Sponsor HD-093

Compliance Checklist

Adopt model policies for AI and machine learning use
Who: All law enforcement agencies
Deadline: By July 1, 2027
Complete required training on AI and machine learning
Who: Law enforcement officers employed before July 1, 2026
Deadline: By January 1, 2030
Obtain approval for forensic analysis equipment
Who: Local law enforcement agencies and campus police departments
Deadline: By January 1, 2030

Related & Companion Bills

Virginia HB1261 — Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technology & inter… Virginia HB2433 — Law-enforcement agencies; use of certain technologies and i…

Full Legal Analysis

HB1257 establishes a comprehensive framework for law enforcement agencies in Virginia regarding the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning systems, audiovisual surveillance technologies, and interrogation practices. It mandates specific training deadlines, requiring officers employed prior to July 1, 2026, to complete their training by January 1, 2030. The bill also prohibits the purchase of unapproved forensic analysis equipment by both local law enforcement agencies and campus police departments, stipulating that such equipment must be approved by the Department of Forensic Science or the Forensic Science Board.

Official Source


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