Committee backs courthouse‑arrest protections and bans on disguised officers; measures aim to safeguard access to courts

Sen. Saleem told the committee the courthouse‑protection measure responds to incidents where federal agents have detained people in courthouses, discouraging victims and witnesses from seeking justice. The substitute requires agents effecting civil arrests at courthouses to present valid judicial warrants and to identify themselves to courthouse staff; willful violations could be contempt of court and subject to civil action by the Attorney General.

A parallel substitute limits facial coverings by law‑enforcement officers when performing official duties, with carve‑outs for undercover operations to be addressed by DCJS model policy, for public‑health masking, extreme cold and authorized operational needs. Supporters argued both bills restore trust that courthouses are safe spaces; opponents questioned the scope and the definition of contempt and whether criminal vs civil contempt might apply.

Committee adopted a technical line amendment on the facial‑covering bill, clarified undercover exceptions and retained enforcement pathways; both substitutes were reported and referred to Finance for further review. Stakeholders supporting the bills included legal‑aid organizations, immigrant‑rights groups, ACLU of Virginia and municipal officials; opponents raised enforcement and scope questions.