Keys-Gamarra’s House proposal on jail reforms, attorney access advances through Virginia legislature

The legislation introduced by State Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra was enacted to expand attorney access, improve inmate health services, and reinforce oversight at local and regional correctional facilities after passing both legislative chambers, according to the Virginia State House.

The bill was finalized and enrolled on March 30, 2026, after receiving 83-14 approval in the House and a 34-6 vote in the Senate.

Originally introduced as HB1392 during the 2026 regular session on Jan. 21, 2026, the state legislature outlined the bill as addressing “Correctional facilities, local and regional, and courthouse security; powers & duties for operation.”

Below is our summary based on the official bill text, with explanations to clarify key points.

In summary, the bill introduces reforms to management of local and regional jails and courthouse security. It directs the Board of Corrections to establish and enforce attorney-client visitation standards, including some evening and weekend sessions, and to facilitate inmate telehealth by providing private areas and publishing quarterly healthcare reports. The Board will also examine specific inmate fatalities and release an annual account on jail inspections and violations. Sheriffs are required to provide secure phones or electronic means for attorney-prisoner communication, prohibit screening of licensed attorneys where similar waivers exist for staff or police, and penalize attorneys with suspended or revoked credentials who circumvent screening with bar cards as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

In the House, support for the bill included 63 Democrats and 20 Republicans, while 14 Republicans voted against it.

In the Senate, the measure drew affirmative votes from 21 Democrats and 13 Republicans, with six Republicans in opposition.

The bill was led by Del. Karen Keys-Gamarra (Democrat-7th District), with support from Del. Bonita G. Anthony (Democrat-92nd District), Del. Charlie Schmidt (Democrat-77th District), and five additional co-sponsors.

Keys-Gamarra earned her BA from Tulane University in 1982 and a JD from Washington University School of Law in 1987.

A Democrat, Keys-Gamarra was elected in 2024 to represent Virginia’s 7th House district, succeeding former delegate Marie March.

In Virginia, the legislative process starts with a bill introduction in either the House or Senate, followed by committee assignment, deliberation, and amendment. If a committee approves, the bill faces debate and a vote in both chambers. Once approved by both, the governor can sign or veto the bill, or allow it to become law without signing. The General Assembly meets yearly in a regular session beginning the second Monday in January, considering hundreds of bills, with only a segment becoming law each session.

Details in this article were sourced from the Virginia State House. Official records are available here.