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VA HB553: Department of Corrections; language access and translation services for inmates.

Effective Jul 1, 2026 Virginia · 2026 session

Last verified Oct 12, 2026 · official bill text

HB553 · where it stands

All steps complete
  1. Introduced Complete
  2. Passed first chamber Complete
  3. Passed both chambers Complete
  4. Enacted Complete
  5. Effective Since Jul 1, 2026
What do these statuses mean?
Introduced
Filed in the legislature; may be waiting for a committee hearing.
Passed a chamber
Approved by one or both chambers; awaiting further action.
Enacted
Signed into law, or became law without a signature or over a veto.
Effective date
The date the law says it takes effect. Once it has passed, the page shows "Effective" and the date. A court order can still block a law; if we know of one, the summary says so.
Dead / vetoed
Vetoed, failed, or the session ended without action.

In one paragraph

Virginia HB 553 (2026) adds Code 53.1-1.3 on language access in state prisons. Internet, machine-learning and artificial-intelligence based translation services may be used for language assistance and for translating essential documents only where the service is certified or specifically built to provide accurate translations, and a qualified interpreter is still required for sensitive, confidential or privileged communications. Effective July 1, 2026.

Plain-English summary, written with AI assistance. The official text controls.

What it means for business

AI translation vendors serving the Virginia Department of Corrections must offer certified or purpose-built accurate translation.

Key provisions

  1. Code 53.1-1.3: AI and machine-learning translation allowed only if certified or purpose-built for accurate translation
  2. Applies to language assistance and translation of essential documents for inmates with limited English proficiency
  3. Qualified interpreter required for sensitive, confidential or privileged communications

Latest legislative action

Apr 22, 2026. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1059 (effective 7/1/2026)

Topics and industries

Related topics

AI in Government

Affected industries

GovernmentTechnology

This page is general information, not legal advice. Summaries are AI-assisted and may contain errors; read the statute for the controlling text and talk to a lawyer about your situation. Full disclaimer · Report an error

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