HB1996: Summons for Unlawful Detainer form; plain English instructions for interpretation of form.

Legislative Summary

Summons for Unlawful Detainer form; plain English instructions. Requires the Forms and Efiling Subcommittee of the Supreme Court of Virginia's Access to Justice Commission to develop plain English instructions, as defined in the bill, that explain to defendants how to interpret Form DC-421 (Summons for Unlawful Detainer/Civil Claim for Eviction). The bill further requires that such instructions (i) be printed in no less than 14 point type; (ii) be understandable to persons whose literacy level matches the Virginia literacy level for fourth grade; (iii) explain that failure to appear in court on the hearing date may result in eviction from the defendant's household; and (iv) provide the statewide Legal Aid and Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot program websites and, if applicable, telephone numbers, directing defendants to contact those programs for more information and assistance. Summons for Unlawful Detainer form; plain English instructions. Requires the Forms and Efiling Subcommittee of the Supreme Court of Virginia's Access to Justice Commission to develop plain English instructions, as defined in the bill, that explain to defendants how to interpret Form DC-421 (Summons for Unlawful Detainer/Civil Claim for Eviction). The bill further requires that such instructions (i) be printed in no less than 14 point type; (ii) be understandable to persons whose literacy level matches the Virginia literacy level for fourth grade; (iii) explain that failure to appear in court on the hearing date may result in eviction from the defendant's household; and (iv) provide the statewide Legal Aid and Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot program websites and, if applicable, telephone numbers, directing defendants to contact those programs for more information and assistance.