# Virginia SB1421: Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations.

Virginia SB1421, Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations., is a 2025 Regular Session Senate bill sponsored by Bryce E. Reeves (Republican); status failed, last action 2025-01-29 (Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter (8-Y 7-N)) (as of 2026-10-17).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1421-2025
- As of: 2026-10-17
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Virginia SB1421
- State: Virginia
- Session: 2025 Regular Session
- Title: Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations.
- Status: failed
- Chamber: Senate
- Introduced: 2025-01-16
- Last action: 2025-01-29, Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter (8-Y 7-N)
- Sponsor: Bryce E. Reeves (Republican)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Subjects: Courts of Justice
- Touches household money: no
- Roll calls: 1 (8 yes, 7 no in all)
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 0

## Summary

Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages; statute of limitations. Expands the existing ability for any person to maintain a suit in equity, including the accompanying remedies available and statute of limitations, for the unauthorized use of his name, portrait, or picture for advertising purposes or for the purposes of trade to include the unauthorized use of his voice or likeness.

## Bill overview

No economic impacts identified for this bill.

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Bryce E. Reeves (Republican), Senate

## Roll call votes

| Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2025-01-29 | Senate | Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter | pass | 8 | 7 |   |

## Actions (3)

- 2025-01-29: Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice with letter (8-Y 7-N) (Senate)
- 2025-01-16: Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice (Senate)
- 2025-01-16: Presented and ordered printed 25104851D (Senate)

## Bill text

- Introduced, 2025-01-16: [HTML](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1021753.HTML), [PDF](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1021752.PDF)

## Related bills

- HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care. (adopted)
- SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty. (failed)
- HB1746: Public safety officer; definition. (failed)
- HB1600: Budget Bill. (failed)
- SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility. (failed)
- HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for infertility treatment. (to governor)

## Sources
- [Introduced (HTML)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1021753.HTML)
- [Introduced (PDF)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1021752.PDF)

## Related
- [HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HR671-2025)
- [SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB941-2025)
- [HB1746: Public safety officer; definition.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1746-2025)
- [HB1600: Budget Bill.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1600-2025)
- [SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1449-2025)
- [HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for i…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1609-2025)
- [Virginia bills](https://policyrisk.com/states/virginia/bills)
- [Virginia state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/virginia)
- [All state legislation](https://policyrisk.com/state-bills)

Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1421-2025 (as of 2026-10-17).