VirginiaSB6732026 Regular SessionSenate

Stalking; using electronically transmitted communication, penalty.

Sponsored By: Tammy Brankley Mulchi (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Stalking by electronically transmitted communication; penalty. Provides that "electronically transmitted communication" includes communication by telephone, computer, or other electronic device for the offense of stalking, which is punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor or, if the second offense occurs within five years of a prior conviction for stalking, is punishable as a Class 6 felony.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Easier to bring stalking cases

Prosecutors can try a stalking case in any Virginia city or county where at least one act happened, or where the victim lived at the time. Courts may use relevant acts that happened outside Virginia as evidence.

No-contact order and release notice

After a stalking conviction, the court must order the defendant not to contact the victim or the victim’s family or household members. If you ask in writing, the Department of Corrections, a sheriff, or a regional jail director must tell you before the offender is released. For sentences over 30 days, they must give at least 15 days’ notice. For sentences of 48 hours to 30 days, they must give 24 hours’ notice. If the person escapes, they must notify you as soon as possible. Release includes finishing a term or release on probation or parole. You must keep your contact info current. Your contact info stays confidential and is not shared with the offender. These agencies are not civilly liable if they fail to give notice.

Stalking by messages is a crime

The law bans stalking done in person, by mail, phone, or any electronic message. It applies when, on more than one occasion, someone makes a person fear death, sexual assault, or bodily injury to them or their family or household member. It is a Class 1 misdemeanor. Contacting or following after being told to stop is evidence of intent. A second offense within five years, including a similar out-of-state conviction, is a Class 6 felony. Police on duty and registered private investigators doing legitimate work are excluded.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Tammy Brankley Mulchi

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 430 • No: 58

House vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 96 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/12/2026

Senate acceded to request Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/10/2026

House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 40- 0-A)

Yes: 0 • No: 40

House vote 3/9/2026

Passed House with substitute Block Vote

Yes: 96 • No: 0

House vote 3/4/2026

Reported from Appropriations

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and referred to Appropriations

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 2/27/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations

Yes: 10 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Senate vote 2/17/2026

Read third time and passed Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/16/2026

Senator Mulchi Substitute agreed to (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/16/2026

Courts of Justice Substitute rejected

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/12/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/11/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 13 • No: 1

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 12 • No: 3

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Passed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice

Yes: 1 • No: 14

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0516)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 516 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB673)

    4/1/2026Senate
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/31/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026Senate
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB673ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB673)

    3/17/2026Senate
  11. Conference report agreed to by Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026Senate
  12. Conference report agreed to by House (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026House
  13. Fiscal Impact statement From VCSC (3/14/2026 12:39 pm)

    3/14/2026Senate
  14. Conference Report released

    3/14/2026
  15. House Conferees: Watts, Thornton, Davis

    3/12/2026House
  16. Conferees appointed by House

    3/12/2026House
  17. Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026Senate
  18. Conferees appointed by Senate

    3/12/2026Senate
  19. Senate Conferees: Mulchi, Perry, Favola

    3/12/2026Senate
  20. House requested conference committee

    3/11/2026House
  21. House insisted on substitute

    3/11/2026House
  22. House substitute rejected by Senate (0-Y 40- 0-A)

    3/10/2026Senate
  23. Passed House with substitute Block Vote (96-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/9/2026House
  24. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    3/9/2026House
  25. committee substitute agreed to

    3/9/2026House

Bill Text

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