Why 3/5: The bill introduces a new permitting system and compliance checks for tobacco retailers, with a delayed effective date of October 1, 2026, requiring future preparation.
Small businesses selling tobacco products will transition from a licensing system under the Department of Taxation to a permitting system administered by the Virginia ABC Authority, potentially requiring new application processes and fees. The ABC Authority will also conduct unannounced buyer operations every two years to verify age compliance, increasing regulatory scrutiny and potential penalties for non-compliance.
Update
Conferees appointed by Senate
Update
Senate Conferees: VanValkenburg, Salim, Reeves
Update
Conferees appointed by House
Update
House Conferees: Hope, Carroll, Fowler
Update
Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (37-Y 2-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (93-Y 3-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB620ER)
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 (“Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc.”) · 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
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB620)
Line-item veto
Governor's recommendation received by Senate