HB 872

Possession of portable electronic device in district or circuit court. Requires the chief judge of each general district court, juvenile and domestic relations district court, and circuit court to set a policy regarding the use and possession of portable electronic devices, defined in the bill as a personal laptop, a tablet, a mobile telephone, an electronic calendar, an electronic book reader, a smart watch, or any other electronic personal communication device, by members of the public who are not otherwise authorized to use or possess such portable electronic devices. The bill sets forth what additional provisions are required to be included in such policy depending upon whether the chief judge of the district or circuit court prohibits, restricts, or allows the use or possession of such portable electronic devices in the courthouse, courtrooms, or both. The bill also requires that any such policy be conspicuously posted at the entrance of the courthouse and available on the Virginia Judicial System's website, the district or circuit court's individual website, or a local government website that also has information about such district or circuit court.