Why 3/5: While the effective date is delayed until January 1, 2027, this bill could lead to increased operational costs for small businesses in the future.
Virginia small businesses could face higher water and sewerage utility rates if their providers choose to offer discounted services to low-income customers. This bill allows utilities to recover the costs of these discounts by increasing rates for commercial and industrial customers, which includes small businesses.
Third reading
Read third time
Substitute adopted
committee substitute agreed to
Substitute adopted
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Passed a chamber
Passed House with substitute (63-Y 34-N 1-A)
Substitute adopted
House substitute agreed to by Senate (23-Y 17-N 0-A)
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (SB650)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB650ER)
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
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 (“Public utilities; water and sewerage companies, discounted rates for low-income customers.”) · Read the actual bill →
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 State Corporation Commission (SB650)
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 218 (effective 7/1/2026)
Update
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0218)