Why 4/5: Significantly expands local government power to protect and replace trees, impacting long-term environmental health and air quality.
Virginia localities will gain expanded operational authority to conserve and replace trees during development, including setting higher canopy replacement percentages and more strictly enforcing preservation ordinances. This bill also allows long-term monitoring of tree canopies and strengthens requirements for tree coverage in areas with poor air quality.
Update
Second conferees appointed by Senate
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Senate Conferees: Salim, Srinivasan, Suetterlein
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Conferees appointed by House
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House Conferees: Hope, McClure, Tata
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Conference Report released
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 33-N 0-A)
Cleared committee (favorable)
Conference report agreed to by Senate (22-Y 17-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB589ER)
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 (“Trees; conservation and replacement during development process in certain localities, report.”) · 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
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 511 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0511)