Why 3/5: This bill establishes new governance structures and review processes for public higher education institutions, impacting their long-term operation and accountability.
This bill extends the terms of governing board members at Virginia's public universities from four to six years and mandates the adoption of shared governance policies within these institutions. It also directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to develop model shared governance policies and study legal counsel practices for universities, including processes for addressing inadequate representation or conflicts of interest.
Update
Conferees appointed by House
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House Conferees: Franklin of Montgomery, Carr, Zehr
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House Conferees: Franklin, L.V., Feggans, Austin
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Passed by temporarily
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Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (62-Y 35-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB494ER)
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 (“Higher educational institutions, public; membership of governing boards.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
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Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB494)
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate