Why 3/5: It directly impacts the professional licensing process for substance abuse treatment providers, potentially expanding the workforce.
The bill establishes a new pathway for experienced substance abuse counselors to obtain licensure as practitioners without needing to pass an examination. This change could increase the number of licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners in Virginia, potentially improving access to care for individuals with substance use disorders.
Referred to committee
Assigned Education sub: Health Professions
Cleared committee
Reported from Education and Health (15-Y 0-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Update
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Third reading
Read third time
Passed a chamber
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1282ER)
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 (“Licensed substance abuse treatment practitioners; licensure by endorsement, etc.”) · Read the actual bill →
Passed a chamber
Signed by Speaker
Passed a chamber
Signed by President
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1282)
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 25, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 766 (effective 7/1/2026)