2026 SESSION

ENGROSSED

26104509D

HOUSE BILL NO. 1299

House Amendments in [ ] - February 11, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 1-243.1, relating to rules of construction; use of [ "shall." "shall"; report. ]

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Patron Prior to Engrossment—Delegate Delaney

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Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 1-243.1 as follows:

§ 1-243.1. Shall.

"Shall" establishes a mandatory requirement and is not merely directory, unless the statute expressly provides otherwise.

[ 2. That the provisions of the first enactment of this act shall not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly.

3. That the Virginia Code Commission shall review the provisions of this act to evaluate the effects of this act on the Code of Virginia, including the extent of any substantive changes to the meaning of existing law or changes that would be necessitated to existing provisions by the enactment of § 1-243.1 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act. The Virginia Code Commission shall report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly no later than December 1, 2026. ]