CHAPTER 76
An Act to amend and reenact §8.01-420 of the Code of
Virginia, relating to use of depositions as a basis for summary judgment.
[H 1708]
Approved March 5, 2013
Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
1. That §8.01-420 of the Code of Virginia is amended and
reenacted as follows:
§8.01-420. Depositions as basis for motion for summary
judgment or to strike evidence.
No A. Except as provided in subsection B, no motion
for summary judgment or to strike the evidence shall be sustained when based in
whole or in part upon any discovery depositions under Rule 4:5, unless all
parties to the suit or action shall agree that such deposition may be so used.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, requests for admissions for which the responses
are submitted in support of a motion for summary judgment may be based in whole
or in part upon any discovery depositions under Rule 4:5 and may include
admitted facts learned or referenced in such a deposition, provided that any
such request for admission shall not reference the deposition or require the
party to admit that the deponent gave specific testimony.
B. Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection A, a motion
for summary judgment seeking dismissal of any claim or demand for punitive
damages may be sustained, as to the punitive damages claim or demand only, when
based in whole or in part upon any discovery depositions under Rule 4:5.
However, such a motion may not be based upon discovery depositions under Rule
4:5 with respect to any claim or demand for punitive damages based on the
operation of a motor vehicle by a person while under the influence of alcohol,
any narcotic drug, or any other self-administered intoxicant or drug.
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