CHAPTER 312

An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-926 of the Code of Virginia, relating to prohibiting loitering; age restrictions on trick-or-treating.

[H 1395]

Approved April 6, 2026

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 15.2-926 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 15.2-926. Prohibiting loitering; frequenting amusements and curfew for minors; penalty.

A. Any locality may by ordinance prohibit loitering in, upon or around any public place, whether on public or private property. Any locality may by ordinance also prohibit minors who are not attended by their parents from frequenting or being in public places, whether on public or private property, at such times, between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., as the governing body deems proper.

A violation of such ordinances by a minor shall be disposed of as provided in §§ 16.1-278.4 and 16.1-278.5.

B. A locality may by ordinance regulate the frequenting, playing in or loitering in public places of amusement by minors, and may prescribe punishment for violations of such ordinances not to exceed that prescribed for a Class 3 misdemeanor.

C. Without limiting or restricting the general powers created by this section, the term "public place" shall also include public libraries.

D. No locality shall impose restrictions relating to age on the activity commonly known as "trick-or-treating" in a manner that exceeds the loitering or curfew provisions generally established pursuant to this section.

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