Why 2/5: It establishes a new mechanism for funding land conservation through renewable energy project fees, which is a long-term operational change.
This bill directs fees collected from small renewable energy projects to the Office of Working Lands Preservation. These funds will be used to acquire conservation easements, protecting land across Virginia.
Update
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1081)
Cleared committee
Reported from Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (14-Y 0-N)
Update
Rules suspended
Update
Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-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 (37-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Enrolled
Passed a chamber
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1081ER)
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 (“Working Lands Preservation, Office of; powers and duties, small renewable energy projects fees.”) · 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 (HB1081)
Enrolled
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Sent to the Governor
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 810 (effective 7/1/2026)