Why 4/5: Establishes a major new statewide program to reduce carbon emissions and fund flood preparedness.
Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality would establish a market-based carbon trading program, similar to RGGI, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation. This program would also fund community flood preparedness initiatives, directly impacting air quality and coastal resilience.
Cleared committee
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (8-Y 6-N)
Update
Rules suspended
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Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
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Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
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Passed by for the day
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB397ER)
This bill has passed its votes and is headed to the Governor's desk. You still have a say — the Governor's office reads messages before deciding whether to sign.
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Summarized from the official bill text (“Clean energy and community flood preparedness; market-based trading program.”) · Read the actual bill →
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB397)
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 920 (effective 7/1/2026)