VirginiaHB4442026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act; established.

Sponsored By: Marcus B. Simon (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act established. Creates the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act for the award of a default judgment in actions for the collection of certain consumer debts, defined in the bill as an obligation or alleged obligation of an individual to pay money that arises out of a transaction in which the money, property, insurance, or service that is the subject of the transaction is primarily for a personal, family, or household purpose. The bill provides that a default judgment in such actions shall only be entered if the warrant in debt or civil action to recover a consumer debt includes certain statements and the required notice to the consumer, as described in the bill. Finally, the bill directs the Office of the Executive Secretary to promulgate a form for the consumer notice provisions created by the bill. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Stronger proof and warnings in debt suits

Beginning July 1, 2027, a court can enter a default judgment in a consumer debt case only if the creditor provides detailed facts and proof. The complaint must list your name and address on file, the creditor’s name, the last four digits of the account, your last payment date and amount, the charge‑off or default date, and an itemized amount owed. The creditor must attach at least one document that proves the debt, and show authority to collect if they are not the original creditor. A separate, official consumer notice must be attached that warns you to answer or appear, shows the judgment amount, explains it can last at least 10 years with interest, and lists collection methods like sale of real property, writs, attachment, and garnishment, plus legal help contacts. Certain notices cannot be delivered electronically.

Which debt cases this law covers

Beginning July 1, 2027, these rules cover default judgments to collect unpaid consumer debts. They apply to unsecured debts, money‑judgment‑only suits on secured debts, and deficiency balances after property is sold. They do not apply to cases brought only to take or dispose of property, or when a government is the plaintiff. The law defines key terms so courts and parties apply the rules the same way.

You cannot waive these protections

Beginning July 1, 2027, any contract or waiver that tries to remove these consumer protections is void. You can still make a voluntary settlement or a judgment that is not a default judgment. These rules add to, and do not replace, other rights you already have under Virginia law.

When and how courts apply it

Beginning July 1, 2027, courts apply these rules statewide in covered cases. Courts also aim to keep decisions in line with other states that use the same act. This promotes consistent and predictable results.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marcus B. Simon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 269 • No: 45

House vote 3/4/2026

Senate amendments agreed to by House

Yes: 75 • No: 21

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Passed Senate with amendments

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments

Yes: 14 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 76 • No: 21

House vote 2/11/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute

Yes: 20 • No: 2

House vote 2/4/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 7 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0395)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter395 (Effective 7/1/2027)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB444)

    3/17/2026House
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/14/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/12/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB444ER)

    3/11/2026House
  8. Enrolled

    3/11/2026House
  9. Signed by President

    3/11/2026Senate
  10. Senate amendments agreed to by House (75-Y 21-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026House
  11. Passed Senate with amendments (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  12. Courts of Justice Amendments agreed to

    3/2/2026Senate
  13. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    3/2/2026Senate
  14. Read third time

    3/2/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/27/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026Senate
  17. Rules suspended

    2/27/2026Senate
  18. Senate committee offered

    2/25/2026Senate
  19. Reported from Courts of Justice with amendments (14-Y 0-N 1-A)

    2/25/2026Senate
  20. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    2/18/2026Senate
  21. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/18/2026Senate
  22. Read third time and passed House (76-Y 21-N 0-A)

    2/17/2026House
  23. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/16/2026House
  24. committee substitute agreed to

    2/16/2026House
  25. Read second time

    2/16/2026House

Bill Text

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