Virginia small businesses selling marijuana or hemp products will face new operational requirements, including displaying a verification decal with a $10,000 daily penalty for non-compliance. The bill also imposes stricter THC content limits on hemp products for human consumption and increases penalties for various violations, potentially leading to product seizure and significant fines.
SB 543Virginiapassed
Town council elections in Waverly will shift from May to November, consolidating them with general elections. This change is part of a broader amendment to the town's charter, transitioning to a council-manager form of government and updating other provisions.
SB 281Virginiapassed
This bill eliminates state requirements for the State Air Pollution Control Board to regulate carbon dioxide emissions and removes prohibitions on new carbon-emitting power plants. It also repeals statutory declarations that solar, wind, and energy storage development are in the public interest, while affirming new nuclear generation facilities are in the public interest.
SB 752Virginiafailed
If passed, this bill would make it illegal to import, sell, manufacture, purchase, or transfer assault firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in Virginia. Violations would be a Class 1 misdemeanor, and a conviction could prohibit firearm possession for three years.
SB 749Virginiapassed
This bill eliminates the State/Local Hospitalization Program, which currently helps indigent persons in Virginia pay for certain inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses. If passed, this would remove a source of financial assistance for low-income individuals needing hospital care and could shift costs to other programs or directly to hospitals.
HB 817Virginiapassed
This proposed constitutional amendment would establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Virginia, directly impacting the legal framework for accessing and providing reproductive healthcare services. It would prevent the Commonwealth from denying or burdening this right unless justified by a compelling state interest, while allowing regulation of third-trimester abortion care under specific medical conditions.
SJ 1Virginiapassed
Small businesses would face new compliance requirements to disclose salary ranges in job postings and are prohibited from asking about or relying on a job applicant's past wage history. Non-compliance could lead to significant financial penalties, including statutory damages of $1,000 to $10,000 per violation, plus attorney fees.
HB 1164Virginiain committee
This bill mandates that Virginia localities with populations over 400,000 must elect their governing body members from individual single-member districts. This operational change will require affected localities to establish new district maps and reapportion representation for their local elections.
HB 168Virginiapassed
This bill would make it harder for electric utilities to retire power plants by requiring the State Corporation Commission to ensure sufficient generation capacity before decommissioning, potentially keeping older, higher-emitting facilities online. Additionally, it would prevent utilities from recovering over $10 million in costs from customers if Virginia rejoins the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, potentially undermining the state's participation in the climate program.
SB 512Virginiafailed
This bill would prohibit the purchase, sale, transfer, or manufacture of assault firearms and large capacity ammunition feeding devices in Virginia, establishing Class 1 misdemeanor penalties for violations. Convicted individuals would also face a three-year ban on purchasing, possessing, or transporting any firearm.
HB 217Virginiapassed
This proposed constitutional amendment would establish a fundamental right to reproductive freedom in Virginia, directly impacting the operational framework for healthcare providers offering reproductive services and ensuring patient access. It aims to protect individuals' ability to make reproductive healthcare decisions by preventing state interference unless justified by a compelling interest, while still allowing for some third-trimester regulation with exceptions for medical necessity.
HJ 1Virginiapassed
The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) will update its guidance memo on environmental justice in the permitting process, requiring new operational considerations for assessing cumulative environmental impacts. This change aims to strengthen protections for communities affected by pollution by improving community engagement strategies during the permitting process.
HB 1266Virginiapassed
This bill would make it a Class 1 misdemeanor to possess firearms, certain knives, or other dangerous weapons in hospitals providing mental health or developmental services. It aims to enhance safety for patients and staff by requiring hospitals to post notices of this prohibition at public entrances.
SB 173Virginiapassed
Virginia small businesses would need to update their employee policies and practices to comply with new prohibitions against retaliating when employees report potential legal violations. This bill would prevent employers from taking disciplinary action against employees who report illegal activity in good faith and from having policies that impede such disclosures.
HB 930Virginiafailed
Virginia small businesses could face significantly higher financial penalties, including triple damages and attorney fees, for violations related to minimum wage, overtime, or worker misclassification. This bill expands the types of wage-related violations for which employees can pursue civil actions, increasing compliance risk and potential legal costs for employers.
SB 644Virginiafailed
District courts would gain the ability to keep felony cases within their jurisdiction if the accused participates in a behavioral health docket. This change could provide individuals with mental health or substance use challenges an alternative path focused on treatment and support rather than immediate transfer to a higher court.
HB 245Virginiapassed
This bill changes how Virginia students are assessed by repealing the requirement for a through-year growth assessment system and instead focusing on one-time end-of-year assessments. It also mandates that end-of-course SOL assessments account for at least 10% of a student's final grade and clarifies assessment exemptions for students with disabilities.
HB 299Virginiapassed
This bill will require providers offering office-based buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder to offer counseling or referrals to counseling to their patients. Patients can refuse counseling without losing access to their buprenorphine treatment, ensuring comprehensive care options are presented while respecting patient choice.
SB 641Virginiapassed
This bill expands mandatory child abuse and neglect reporting requirements to explicitly include all public and private school athletics program coaches, directors, and adult volunteers. It also broadens the types of offenses that must be reported by these school personnel and establishes new misdemeanor and felony penalties for failure to report certain offenses within 24 hours.
HB 1414Virginiapassed
This bill allows certain transfer students pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to substitute IB courses for specific Virginia graduation requirements, including history, government, and economics. It also provides waivers for emergency first aid training for students with disabilities or those who transfer into Virginia high schools after 10th grade.
HB 595Virginiapassed
This bill expands the types of organizations that can sue to protect voting rights and lowers the population thresholds for localities to provide minority language assistance in elections. These changes aim to strengthen legal protections against voter suppression and vote dilution, making it easier for certain communities to access the ballot.
HB 967Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to strategically deploy public funds through grants, loans, and other financing for clean energy and greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects. This new state entity aims to accelerate the development and implementation of climate-friendly technologies and initiatives across Virginia.
HB 1444Virginiapassed
This bill extends the deadline for voters to fix errors on absentee ballot applications and requires registrars to notify voters of provisional ballot errors, giving them until the Monday after the election to correct them. It also mandates the Department of Elections to issue uniform guidance for processing provisional ballots, including those cast by same-day registrants.
HB 774Virginiapassed
The Department of Criminal Justice Services will no longer be required to develop a model addiction recovery program for local and regional jails. This change could reduce the availability or standardization of addiction treatment services for individuals incarcerated in Virginia.
SB 690Virginiapassed
Health insurers in Virginia will be required to cover at least one opioid antagonist for overdose reversal, placing it on the lowest cost tier and exempting it from prior authorization. This change aims to make life-saving overdose reversal medication more affordable and accessible for insured individuals across the state.
SB 257Virginiapassed
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment concerning reapportionment and redistricting of congressional districts, which would be put to a voter referendum in a special election on April 21, 2026. It also repeals a section of the Code of Virginia related to the general appropriation act for the Department of Elections, potentially impacting its funding or operational structure.
SB 769Virginiafailed
Electric utilities in Virginia will be required to significantly increase their energy storage capacity, with Dominion Energy Virginia targeting 20,000 megawatts and Appalachian Power 1,300 megawatts by 2045. This expansion of energy storage is crucial for integrating more renewable energy onto the grid, thereby supporting climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
HB 895Virginiapassed
This bill would reduce out-of-pocket costs for individuals needing opioid overdose reversal medications by requiring health insurers to cover at least one such drug on their lowest cost-sharing tier. It also ensures these life-saving drugs are more readily available by exempting them from prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
HB 795Virginiapassed
This bill prohibits federal civil immigration enforcement activities within 40 feet of any polling place or electoral board meeting location while elections are being conducted or results ascertained. This change aims to ensure a secure and accessible environment for voters and election officials without fear of immigration-related arrests.
HB 650Virginiapassed
This bill will require providers offering office-based buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder to offer counseling or referrals to counseling to patients. This change aims to enhance comprehensive care for addiction, while ensuring patients can still receive buprenorphine even if they decline counseling.
HB 712Virginiapassed
This bill expands the types of payments considered "wages" under Virginia law, potentially increasing employer liability for various forms of compensation. The expanded definition includes salaries, commissions, bonuses, tips, back pay, dismissal pay, and severance pay, aiming to reverse a recent court decision.
HB 1355Virginiafailed
This bill would prevent healthcare employers from enforcing non-compete agreements with doctors, nurses, and other licensed medical professionals. Employers violating this ban would face a $10,000 civil penalty for each instance, potentially increasing professional mobility and competition within the healthcare sector.
SB 128Virginiapassed
Virginia's minimum wage is set to increase incrementally, reaching $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2028. This will raise labor costs for small businesses employing minimum wage workers and require adjustments to payroll and budgeting.
SB 1Virginiapassed
This bill would prevent health insurers and pharmacy benefits managers from forcing or incentivizing specific methods for patients to receive their prescription drugs. This change aims to give individuals more freedom in choosing how they get their medications, potentially affecting convenience and out-of-pocket costs.
HB 1390Virginiain committee
This bill would incrementally raise Virginia's minimum wage to $15.00 per hour by January 1, 2028, with annual adjustments thereafter based on the consumer price index. This change will increase labor costs for small businesses employing minimum wage workers and require adjustments to payroll and budgeting.
HB 1Virginiapassed
This bill would require health insurers in Virginia to cover medically necessary treatment and care for menopause and perimenopause. This change would expand health insurance benefits for individuals experiencing these conditions, potentially reducing out-of-pocket costs for related medical services.
SB 790Virginiapassed
This bill allows juvenile courts to order mental health or disability evaluations for delinquent youth, potentially increasing the identification of and access to mental health services within the juvenile justice system. It permits courts to direct public agencies to conduct these evaluations or consider existing reports from interdisciplinary teams.
SB 35Virginiafailed
This bill would require data centers to meet specific energy efficiency standards and procure 90% carbon-free renewable energy by 2028 to qualify for a sales and use tax exemption. This change aims to incentivize environmentally friendly practices within the data center industry by linking tax benefits to reduced carbon footprint and increased renewable energy use.
SB 465Virginiafailed
Industrial facilities discharging into public wastewater systems will be required to monitor and report PFAS levels, with public treatment works then reporting this data to the state. This new monitoring requirement aims to identify and track the presence of these "forever chemicals" in Virginia's water systems, enhancing environmental oversight.
SB 138Virginiapassed
The bill allows recipients of the Brown v. Board of Education Scholarship Program to use up to $5,000 annually for accredited two-year or four-year institutions outside Virginia. This expands educational opportunities for eligible students and their lineal descendants by removing the in-state restriction for a portion of their scholarship funds.
SB 196Virginiapassed
This bill authorizes Dominion Energy Virginia to add 525 megawatts of shared solar capacity and initiates planning for an additional 268 megawatts in the future. It directs the State Corporation Commission to evaluate the program's costs and benefits and update regulations by December 31, 2026.
HB 807Virginiapassed
Public schools would be required to provide instruction on the addictive potential of electronic devices such as cell phones and computers. This new curriculum would be prescribed by the Board of Education, affecting what students are taught regarding screen time.
HB 1486Virginiapassed
Public colleges and universities in Virginia will be required to provide reasonable accommodations for students' religious beliefs in areas like admissions, class attendance, and exam scheduling. Institutions must also establish a grievance procedure for students who believe they have been denied such accommodations.
HB 131Virginiapassed
This bill requires all private elementary and secondary schools in Virginia to implement student codes of conduct that include policies and procedures for preventing and addressing bullying and cyberbullying. These policies must prohibit bullying and mandate parental notification within 24 hours of a confirmed incident, enhancing student safety and parental involvement.
HB 894Virginiapassed
School boards and staff will be required to implement new policies and training by late 2026 and early 2027 to ensure no child is denied a free public education based on immigration status. This bill also creates a civil cause of action, allowing individuals to sue if these protections for students are not upheld.
HB 836Virginiapassed
This bill would make it illegal to carry certain semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns, or any firearm modified to be an assault firearm, in public places like streets, parks, and sidewalks. This significantly expands current law by applying to a broader range of firearms, in all public areas, and regardless of whether the firearm is loaded, with violations punishable as a Class 1 misdemeanor.
HB 1524Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Hampton University Land-Grant Restoration Fund and formally recognizes Hampton University as a land-grant institution, potentially providing new funding streams and expanding its educational mission. This change could enhance the university's research capabilities, community outreach, and academic programs, benefiting students and the broader educational landscape in Virginia.
HB 1497Virginiain committee
This bill introduces civil penalties of up to $5,000 for a first violation, increasing to $12,000 for subsequent violations, for employers who use immigration status to coerce employees regarding wage laws. It prohibits employers from threatening or coercing employees based on their immigration status to avoid paying minimum wage or other required wages, allowing employees to file complaints with the Commissioner of Labor and Industry.
HB 675Virginiapassed
This bill allows Virginia school boards to start the school year up to two weeks earlier than currently permitted, specifically no earlier than 14 days before September 1 instead of 14 days before Labor Day. This change provides local school divisions with greater flexibility in setting their academic calendars, potentially allowing for earlier end dates or more balanced schedules.
SB 815Virginiapassed
This bill would allow certain natural gas power plants with carbon capture technology and other "emissions-positive" generating units to continue operating beyond the 2045 retirement deadline for carbon-emitting facilities. It defines "emissions-positive" units as those achieving a net reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, potentially altering the state's timeline for phasing out fossil fuel-based electricity generation.
HB 1184Virginiafailed
This bill requires the Superintendent of Public Instruction to reinstate policies, programs, and resources that promote cultural competency, inclusion, and education on the history of slavery and the civil rights movement. It specifically mandates the restoration of the Department of Education's EdEquityVA website and associated resources that were rescinded after January 15, 2022.
HB 913Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new Class 1 misdemeanor for knowingly possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon in hospitals providing mental health or developmental services. Individuals found in violation could face legal penalties and forfeiture of their weapon, with notice required at entrances.
HB 229Virginiapassed
Health insurance carriers in Virginia would be required to honor approved prior authorizations for prescription drugs for a minimum of six months for initial authorizations and 12 months for continued authorizations. This change aims to provide patients with more stable access to their prescribed medications by limiting how frequently carriers can revoke or modify approvals, except under specific safety or efficacy concerns.
HB 736Virginiapassed
This bill reduces the maximum out-of-pocket cost for a 30-day supply of prescription insulin from $50 to $35. It also establishes a new $35 aggregate cap for a 30-day supply of diabetes equipment and supplies.
HB 1214Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a Prescription Drug Affordability Advisory Panel to analyze drug pricing trends and recommend policies to improve affordability. It also prohibits drug manufacturers and wholesale distributors from selling certain drugs above a federally established maximum fair price, with civil penalties of $10,000 per violation.
HB 483Virginiapassed
Local electoral board members who neglect their duty to certify election results could face removal and a civil penalty of up to $1,000. This bill also empowers the State Board of Elections to step in and certify results if local boards fail to do so, ensuring election outcomes are finalized promptly.
HB 78Virginiapassed
This bill proposes a constitutional amendment to change how legislative apportionment and congressional districts are redrawn, which would be decided by voters in a special election on April 21, 2026. It also modifies state appropriations, including those affecting the Department of Elections, and repeals a related section of code.
HB 1384Virginiapassed
Alcoholic beverage businesses, including manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers, will now have a 60-day grace period to correct excise tax payment and reporting errors before facing license suspension or revocation. This change reduces the risk of severe penalties for non-willful violations and clarifies civil penalties for late payments, with an online reporting system for wholesale wine licensees mandated by 2027.
SB 788Virginiapassed
This bill reduces the maximum total fee for processing a concealed handgun permit application from $50 to $25. It also lowers the maximum fee for the background investigation portion of the application from $35 to $10.
HB 692Virginiafailed
Healthcare employers would be prohibited from enforcing non-compete agreements with doctors, nurses, and other licensed professionals, facing a $10,000 civil penalty for each violation. This change aims to give healthcare professionals more freedom to change jobs or practice locations within Virginia.
HB 627Virginiapassed
The bill establishes a new tax of $3 per square foot on data center facilities starting January 1, 2027, dedicating at least $250 million of these revenues annually to land protection and preservation efforts. This new funding mechanism replaces previous state appropriations for land preservation, including funds for the Virginia Land Conservation Fund and battlefield/farmland preservation.
SB 393Virginiain committee
This bill changes how schools' state accountability ratings are calculated by requiring the Board of Education to use a student's passing score from an expedited SOL retake, rather than their initial score. This means that if a student retakes an SOL test quickly and passes, that higher score will be used to determine the school's overall performance.
HB 1243Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new civil liability for firearm manufacturers and dealers who fail to implement reasonable controls to prevent illegal sales, theft, or other unlawful firearm-related practices. It aims to reduce gun violence by holding the industry accountable for irresponsible conduct and preventing firearms from falling into the wrong hands.
SB 27Virginiapassed
Virginia school boards will incur operational costs to annually notify parents about the importance of safe firearm storage and their legal responsibilities. This notification will include information on state laws, regulations, and statistics regarding child access to firearms and youth firearm fatalities.
HB 201Virginiapassed
This bill creates the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to provide grants, loans, and other financing for clean energy and greenhouse gas reduction projects. The bank will strategically deploy public funds to accelerate the development and implementation of environmentally beneficial initiatives across the state.
SB 225Virginiapassed
This bill requires the Department of Elections to complete systematic voter roll purges 90 days before all primary and general elections, extending a current restriction that only applies to federal elections. It also establishes a process for confirming citizenship before cancellation and extends response times for both voters and registrars in certain cancellation processes.
SB 52Virginiafailed
This bill would direct state agencies to establish a market-based trading program to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generating units, similar to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative. This program would impact the operational costs and emissions of power plants, while also generating funds for clean energy and community flood preparedness initiatives.
SB 802Virginiapassed
This bill requires large Virginia localities (population 400,000+) to elect their governing body members from individual single-member districts, rather than at-large or other systems. Localities not currently meeting this requirement must establish new districts and reapportion representation, potentially changing how voters are grouped and represented.
SB 51Virginiapassed
This bill mandates that health insurance carriers must have a licensed physician, or other appropriate medical professional, review and approve any denial of a prior authorization request for prescription drugs or healthcare services. This operational change aims to ensure clinical expertise is applied to prior authorization denials, potentially improving patient access to necessary medical care and medications.
HB 481Virginiapassed
Mental health service providers could face civil penalties up to $10,000 for misusing artificial intelligence. The bill permits AI for administrative and supplementary support but prohibits its use for therapy or counseling without a human provider.
HB 668Virginiafailed
This bill mandates the Superintendent of Public Instruction and the Department of Education to consistently implement and staff a state program to support low-performing schools. The program will be based on accountability standards set by the Board of Education, aiming to improve educational outcomes for students in struggling schools.
HB 924Virginiapassed
The Marine Resources Commission will be required to ensure no net loss of existing wetland acreage and functions when setting standards and issuing permits. This change means that permits for wetland use and development will include stricter requirements for compensating environmental impacts.
HB 521Virginiapassed
The bill increases the maximum award for families whose infant sustains a birth-related neurological injury from $100,000 to $500,000. It also makes operational changes to the Virginia Birth-Related Neurological Injury Compensation Program, including altering the board composition and allowing electronic claim submissions.
SB 434Virginiain committee
This bill would make it illegal for individuals under 18 to possess or transport handguns or assault firearms, and for individuals under 21 to purchase them, with some exceptions. Violations of these new age restrictions would result in a Class 1 misdemeanor.
SB 643Virginiaon the floor
This bill extends the terms of public university governing board members from four to six years and mandates the adoption of shared governance policies. It also directs a state work group to develop model shared governance policies and study legal counsel and conflict of interest rules for these boards.
HB 1385Virginiapassed
This bill changes how large businesses and organizations can buy clean energy and renewable energy certificates from Virginia's major utilities. It exempts these 'accelerated clean energy buyers' from certain fees related to the state's renewable energy standard, potentially making clean energy procurement more affordable for them.
HB 369Virginiapassed
This bill protects patients from unexpected medical bills by prohibiting out-of-network health insurance providers from balance billing for emergency medical services vehicle transportation. It ensures that individuals using emergency transport will not face additional charges beyond their in-network cost-sharing.
SB 593Virginiafailed
This bill establishes new felony and misdemeanor penalties for manufacturing, importing, selling, transferring, or possessing plastic firearms, unfinished frames or receivers, or unserialized firearms. These measures aim to prevent the use of undetectable weapons and improve the traceability of all firearms in Virginia.
SB 323Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new certification standards and operational requirements for recovery residences in Virginia, impacting how these facilities operate and are overseen. It also prohibits recovery residences from requiring residents to participate in services from which the residence or its affiliates financially benefit.
SB 270Virginiapassed
This constitutional amendment would change how voting rights are restored for felons in Virginia, making the process automatic upon release from incarceration instead of requiring gubernatorial action. It also clarifies that individuals adjudicated as lacking the capacity to vote are only ineligible during their period of incapacity.
HJ 2Virginiapassed
This bill mandates that health insurance plans cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices, including over-the-counter options, with most cost-sharing eliminated. It will reduce out-of-pocket expenses for individuals by requiring point-of-sale coverage without copays for over-the-counter hormonal contraceptives.
HB 1182Virginiapassed
This bill would require Virginia public elementary and secondary schools to prohibit student cell phone and smart device use on school property from bell to bell. School boards would still be required to restrict student cell phone and smart device possession during school hours.
SB 108Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will establish an AI Innovation in Education Pilot Program to fund and evaluate artificial intelligence use in public schools, requiring school boards to implement new policies for safe and ethical AI use in instruction. This initiative aims to integrate AI responsibly into K-12 education, supporting instruction, tutoring, student engagement, and teacher development.
SB 394Virginiapassed
This bill establishes an affirmative defense or allows for a reduced penalty in assault cases if a person's mental illness, neurocognitive disorder, or intellectual/developmental disability contributed to their behavior. This change aims to provide more equitable legal outcomes for individuals with these conditions by acknowledging their impact on actions within the criminal justice system.
SB 335Virginiapassed
This bill would require health insurance plans in Virginia to cover all FDA-approved contraceptive drugs and devices, including over-the-counter options, with no out-of-pocket costs for patients in most situations. This change aims to improve access to reproductive healthcare by eliminating financial barriers for individuals seeking contraception.
SB 361Virginiapassed
This bill permanently expands the option for Virginia localities to use ranked choice voting for any local governing body election. It requires the State Board of Elections to establish standards, approve software, provide voter education, and allows for risk-limiting audits for these elections.
SB 176Virginiapassed
Virginia's entry into the Interstate Teacher Mobility Compact will create a new, streamlined pathway for teachers licensed in other member states to obtain licensure in Virginia, and for Virginia-licensed teachers to gain licensure in other compact states. This change aims to reduce bureaucratic hurdles for qualified educators, potentially increasing the pool of available teachers for Virginia schools and supporting teacher mobility.
HB 253Virginiapassed
Publicly owned treatment works (POTWs) and certain industrial users will face new operational requirements to perform and report quarterly monitoring for PFAS in wastewater discharge. This will provide the Department of Environmental Quality with critical data on the presence and levels of these persistent chemicals in Virginia's water systems, aiding in pollution control efforts.
HB 938Virginiapassed
This bill expands Virginia's clean energy standard (RPS) to include certain zero-carbon electricity generating facilities placed into service after 2030, potentially broadening the types of power sources counted towards renewable goals. It also allows large energy buyers to contract with existing zero-carbon, solar, or wind facilities to prevent their early retirement, supporting continued carbon-free generation.
SB 470Virginiain committee
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.
SB 589Virginiapassed
This bill materially changes the rights of pregnant individuals undergoing prescribed opioid addiction recovery by clarifying that such treatment cannot be the sole reason for child abuse or neglect suspicion. It aims to remove a potential barrier to seeking vital substance-use treatment during pregnancy.
HB 283Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will establish new calculations to determine the need for early childhood care and education services, guiding future state funding decisions. Up to $5 million in unspent funds may be carried forward annually to reduce waitlists for these services, ensuring more children can access early education.
SB 134Virginiapassed
The Department of Elections would be required to implement an online tool enabling voters with visual impairments, print disabilities, or covered voters to electronically receive, mark, and return their absentee ballots. This operational change would enhance accessibility for these specific voter groups by providing an internet-based option for absentee voting.
HB 493Virginiain committee
This bill will prohibit individuals convicted of misdemeanor assault and battery against an intimate partner or cohabitant from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms. The new restrictions will apply to offenses occurring on or after July 1, 2026, expanding current firearm prohibitions related to domestic violence.
HB 19Virginiapassed
This bill creates a Class 4 misdemeanor for individuals who fail to securely store a handgun in a locked container when leaving it in an unattended vehicle. It mandates that handguns left in unattended vehicles must be kept in a locked hard-sided container, including a locked glove compartment or center console, or a container affixed to the vehicle.
HB 110Virginiapassed
This bill expands the permissible uses of state funding under the At-Risk Program to include initiatives supporting the mental health of students in public schools. This change allows schools to use these funds for mental health services and support for at-risk students.
HB 195Virginiapassed
This bill significantly expands the reach of Virginia's red flag law by allowing more people to petition for substantial risk orders and enabling more courts to issue them. It also clarifies factors judges must consider and establishes a process for returning firearms not owned by the subject of an order.
HB 901Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Virginia College Access and Affordability Scholarship Fund with an initial deposit of $500 million. The fund will provide scholarships for higher education students and support college access programs for low-income, first-generation, and at-risk students.
HB 1001Virginiafailed
This bill would eliminate the ability for any voter to challenge another voter's right to cast a ballot at a polling place on election day. It also removes the process for three voters to challenge a registration before the general registrar, instead requiring such challenges to be filed with a circuit court.
HB 640Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new tiered special education dispute resolution system, expands the duties of the State Parent Ombudsman, and creates four regional special education ombudsman centers. These changes aim to improve how special education disputes are resolved and increase support for parents and school personnel across Virginia.
HB 473Virginiafailed
This bill establishes a legal right for individuals in Virginia to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception. It also creates a cause of action for individuals whose right to contraception is infringed upon, ensuring legal recourse.
SB 596Virginiapassed
This bill significantly expands Appalachian Power's shared solar program by mandating an additional 100 megawatts of capacity by 2028 and initiating a process for further expansion. It also improves the program for subscribers by allowing more frequent distribution of excess bill credits and requiring net crediting functionality on utility bills.
SB 255Virginiapassed
This constitutional amendment would grant the General Assembly new authority to redraw Virginia's congressional districts outside of the standard 10-year cycle. This change could lead to more frequent adjustments of district boundaries, potentially impacting voter representation and the stability of electoral maps.
HJ 4Virginiapassed
This bill would require election officials to open in-person absentee voting locations for at least five hours on the second and third Sundays before all elections. This operational change would provide voters with additional weekend opportunities to cast their ballots early.
SB 438Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new Class 1 misdemeanor penalties for individuals who intentionally obstruct access to or damage reproductive health care facilities. It aims to protect both patients seeking and providers offering reproductive health services from force, threats, or physical interference.
SB 137Virginiapassed
This bill would change the process for renewing continuing teacher contracts by making them automatically renew unless the teacher provides written notice to leave by June 15. This removes the current ability of school boards to issue non-continuation notices for these contracts.
SB 117Virginiapassed
Small businesses in Virginia could receive matching state funds to help cover the costs of contributing to their employees' child care expenses. This new Employee Child Care Assistance Program prioritizes awards to proposals from small businesses, offering a financial incentive to support employee benefits.
HB 18Virginiapassed
This bill allows law enforcement agencies to form agreements to create behavioral health co-response teams that can operate across multiple jurisdictions. This operational change aims to improve the response to behavioral health-related calls by enabling more coordinated and efficient crisis intervention services.
SB 317Virginiapassed
Virginia school boards will be required to participate in the SAT School Day program, offering high school juniors and seniors at least one opportunity to take the SAT during regular school hours. This change aims to increase student access to the college entrance exam, though student participation remains optional.
HB 410Virginiapassed
This bill permits mental health service providers to use artificial intelligence systems to assist in therapy or counseling, provided the human provider remains fully responsible for all interactions and data. Violations of these new regulations, which also ensure patient privacy, could result in a civil penalty of up to $10,000.
SB 269Virginiaon the floor
Virginia's Board of Education would be required to develop and provide instructional materials on climate change and environmental literacy to local school boards. These materials must be based on peer-reviewed scientific sources and accurately depict climate change, human impacts, and its effects on people and resources.
HB 1037Virginiapassed
This bill significantly increases the maximum award for families whose infant sustains a birth-related neurological injury from $100,000 to $500,000. It also streamlines the claims process by allowing electronic submissions, includes compensation for education advocates, and modifies the program's board of directors for improved oversight.
SB 398Virginiapassed
This bill allows Virginia high school students to substitute African American History or AP African American Studies for World History I or World Geography to meet graduation requirements. The Board of Education must update its regulations to permit these substitutions, provided the alternative course is available and students pass an applicable assessment.
SB 427Virginiapassed
The maximum amount employers must pay for burial expenses under workers' compensation would increase from $10,000 to $15,000. Starting January 1, 2028, this amount, along with transportation expenses, would be annually adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index.
SB 771Virginiapassed
This bill would make it illegal to manufacture, sell, transfer, or possess plastic firearms and would require all firearms, including unfinished frames or receivers, to be serialized. Violations would result in felony or misdemeanor charges, with delayed effective dates for some provisions.
HB 40Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new state funding programs for public schools, including an At-Risk Program and per-pupil add-ons for special education and English language learner students, tied to the Standards of Quality. School divisions receiving these funds must report on their use to the Department of Education, which can withhold funds for non-compliance, aiming to better meet the educational needs of these student populations.
SB 90Virginiain committee
The Department of Education will develop guidance for the safe and ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Virginia public schools, requiring local school boards to adopt consistent policies. It also establishes an AI Innovation in Education Pilot Program to fund and evaluate new AI tools for instruction, tutoring, and teacher support until 2030.
HB 1186Virginiapassed
This bill makes it easier for school psychologists licensed in other member states to practice in Virginia, and for Virginia-licensed school psychologists to practice in other member states. This operational change aims to improve the availability of mental health services for students in Virginia's schools.
HB 255Virginiapassed
This bill makes non-Virginia students who are members of federally recognized Virginia tribes eligible for in-state tuition for undergraduate degree programs. Public higher education institutions may also offer in-state tuition to these students for graduate or professional programs.
SB 456Virginiain committee
This bill would allow election officials to accept private donations and services for voter education, registration, and other election expenses, removing a previous ban. However, any monetary gifts or grants over $1,000 would require approval by a two-thirds majority vote from either the State Board of Elections or the local governing body.
HB 639Virginiapassed
Private elementary and secondary schools in Virginia would be required to update their student codes of conduct to include specific policies and procedures for preventing and addressing bullying and cyberbullying. These policies must include a prohibition against bullying and mandate parental notification within 24 hours of a confirmed bullying incident.
SB 341Virginiapassed
This bill eliminates the State/Local Hospitalization Program, which currently provides financial assistance for inpatient and outpatient hospital expenses for indigent persons. This change will remove a funding source for indigent care, potentially increasing uncompensated care costs for hospitals and out-of-pocket burdens for vulnerable patients.
SB 736Virginiapassed
Gun owners in Virginia would be required to store firearms and ammunition in locked containers if a minor or a person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present in their residence. Failure to comply would result in a Class 4 misdemeanor, and firearm dealers would need to post notices about this new law.
HB 871Virginiapassed
Virginia public schools will be required to implement more comprehensive anti-bullying policies, including mandatory annual training for students and parents, counseling for students who engage in bullying, and clear escalating disciplinary consequences. These changes aim to enhance student safety and well-being by increasing parental involvement, empowering victims, and strengthening school responses to bullying incidents.
SB 234Virginiafailed
This bill grants Virginia localities the operational authority to test and monitor land-applied sewage sludge for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). However, localities will be responsible for all expenses related to this testing and monitoring, as these costs will not be reimbursed from the Sludge Management Fund.
HB 1072Virginiapassed
This bill mandates that the Board of Education automatically revokes teaching licenses for individuals convicted of a felony who are also required to register under the Sex Offender and Crimes Against Minors Registry Act. This ensures that teachers with such convictions cannot continue to hold an active or inactive teaching license in Virginia.
HB 1387Virginiapassed
Individuals leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle would be required to store it in a locked, hard-sided container or face a Class 4 misdemeanor. This new requirement aims to reduce firearm thefts from vehicles and enhance public safety.
SB 496Virginiapassed
This bill clarifies how Virginia's Department of Education and local school boards must implement policies regarding sexually explicit content in instructional materials. It specifies that library books are not considered "instructional material" unless assigned by a teacher and explicitly prohibits using these policies to censor or remove books from schools.
SB 19Virginiapassed
This bill consolidates the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program into a new Virginia Commonwealth Award, establishing it in state law to streamline financial aid for undergraduate and graduate students. It also directs a work group to review financial aid systems to maximize accessibility and affordability for higher education.
HB 1221Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new At-Risk Program and a state-funded add-on for special education students within Virginia's Standards of Quality, requiring corresponding funding formulas to be set in the state budget. It also mandates annual reporting by the Department of Education on total and per-pupil operating expenditures from all funding sources for each school division, increasing transparency on school finance.
HB 92Virginiaon the floor
This bill would prohibit individuals convicted of misdemeanor hate crimes from possessing firearms, ammunition, stun weapons, or explosives, and from carrying concealed weapons. This change would take effect for offenses committed on or after July 1, 2026, adding a new category of individuals disqualified from firearm ownership and concealed carry in Virginia.
HB 1015Virginiapassed
This bill explicitly prohibits the Governor from deploying the Virginia National Guard to intimidate or coerce voters, enhancing election security and voter access. It also establishes reporting requirements for the National Guard and addresses out-of-state militias.
SB 337Virginiapassed
This bill removes the requirement for Virginia's professional regulatory boards to reduce licensing fees when they accumulate excess revenue, potentially leading to higher or more stable fees for small businesses over time. Additionally, it allows these boards to charge small businesses up to $1,500 for administrative costs related to investigations and disciplinary actions if a violation is found.
HB 796Virginiapassed
This constitutional amendment would automatically restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions upon their release from incarceration, removing the current requirement for gubernatorial action. It also clarifies that individuals adjudicated as lacking the capacity to understand voting would lose their right to vote only during that period of incapacity.
SJ 2Virginiapassed
This legislation will allow physician assistants with at least three years of clinical experience to practice without a physician practice agreement, potentially expanding access to healthcare services for Virginians. The change is contingent on the Board of Medicine adopting new regulations to implement the independent practice framework.
HB 746Virginiapassed
This bill restricts the ability to carry firearms in buildings on public college and university campuses in Virginia. It narrows the existing exemption, allowing firearms only for specific curriculum, activities, or authorized organizations with law enforcement approval.
SB 272Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new operational requirements and certification standards for recovery residences, aiming to improve quality and prevent conflicts of interest. It ensures that individuals seeking substance use recovery will have access to more regulated and ethically managed housing options, as referrals will only be made to certified residences.
HB 931Virginiapassed
This bill would direct 95% of the tax revenue generated from authorized internet gaming to the Modern Public Education Fund. This new funding stream could provide significant additional resources for K-12 and higher education programs across Virginia.
SB 118Virginiafailed
This bill establishes a process for the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to amend the state's comprehensive plan for mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability crisis services, including the Marcus Alert system, with required stakeholder consultation and public comment. This means that state agencies and local partners will need to align their policies and operations with the updated plan, potentially leading to more consistent and effective crisis response across Virginia.
SB 513Virginiapassed
Virginia's Department of Environmental Quality would establish a market-based carbon trading program, similar to RGGI, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from electricity generation. This program would also fund community flood preparedness initiatives, directly impacting air quality and coastal resilience.
HB 397Virginiapassed
This bill would make more students eligible for state financial aid programs by removing the Selective Service registration requirement. It eliminates this requirement for the Two-Year College Transfer Grant, the Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant Program, and other state direct tuition assistance.
HB 414Virginiapassed
This bill ensures public school employees continue to receive their salary during any suspension until a school board hearing determines otherwise, extending this protection to all suspensions, not just those over five days. It also guarantees all suspended employees receive notice and an opportunity for a hearing.
HB 849Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new requirements for health insurance carriers to prevent unfair reductions in provider payments (downcoding). It mandates that downcoding decisions must follow correct coding standards, consider all patient data, and be reviewed by a person, aiming to improve financial fairness for healthcare providers.
HB 484Virginiapassed
Healthcare providers could see more accurate and timely payments from health insurers due to new rules preventing arbitrary downcoding of claims. This legislation requires insurers to follow correct coding standards, consider all patient data, and use human review for payment disputes, potentially reducing administrative burdens and improving financial stability for providers.
SB 164Virginiapassed
This bill significantly increases the financial penalties for Virginia small businesses that violate minimum wage, overtime, or worker misclassification laws, potentially leading to triple damages and attorney fees. It also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who report potential legal violations, adding new compliance considerations.
HB 238Virginiapassed
This bill would automatically restore voting rights to individuals with felony convictions upon their release from incarceration, requiring state agencies to streamline their voter registration. It also clarifies mental competency standards for voting, with all changes contingent on a 2026 constitutional amendment and effective in 2027.
HB 964Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Virginia Home Care Council within the Department of Medical Assistance Services to enable individual home care providers to engage in collective bargaining. This operational change aims to promote workforce stability for these providers, which could influence the cost and availability of home-based care services funded through Medicaid.
HB 1263Virginiapassed
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will be required to collect and include data on self-identified student parents in its comprehensive information system. This new data will help inform policies and support services for student parents attending Virginia's colleges and universities.
HB 427Virginiapassed
Public high schools will be able to hire college instructors to teach career and technical education (CTE) and dual enrollment courses under a new three-year renewable license. This aims to expand the pool of qualified educators for these programs, with school boards required to provide initial training to these instructors.
SB 203Virginiapassed
This bill directs the State Health Services Plan Task Force to identify areas in Virginia needing more healthcare projects and the Board of Health to develop faster approval processes for them. This could lead to quicker establishment of new healthcare facilities or services, potentially improving access to care for residents in underserved communities.
SB 239Virginiapassed
Industrial stormwater permittees will gain flexibility in 2025 and 2026 by being able to use point source nutrient credits to meet Chesapeake Bay nutrient reduction requirements. The Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) must prioritize enforcement against non-compliant permittees and will establish a work group to recommend future compliance strategies.
HB 952Virginiapassed
This bill directs the School Health Services Committee and the Department of Education to study and recommend best practices for annual mental health screenings for public school students in grades six through 12. This means schools may eventually implement new mental health screening protocols based on these recommendations, impacting student well-being.
HB 355Virginiapassed
This bill would allow sixth-grade ensemble music classes to have up to 45 students, increasing the current maximum class size limit of 35 students for grades four through six. This change provides an exception to the Standards of Quality for these specific music classes.
SB 656Virginiafailed
This bill would allow the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind to establish its own campus police department, potentially increasing security and changing the disciplinary environment for students. This new authority would enable the school to employ its own police officers, operating under the same legal framework as campus police at higher education institutions.
SB 238Virginiafailed
This bill allows the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to use drones for civil enforcement of water, wetlands, erosion, and stormwater regulations without needing a search warrant in certain situations. This change aims to streamline DEQ's ability to monitor and enforce environmental protections, potentially leading to more effective oversight of permittees.
HB 950Virginiapassed
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.
HB 1282Virginiapassed
School divisions will need to update their internet safety instructional programs to include new topics. This ensures students receive education on modern digital threats such as online scams, misinformation, and content generated by artificial intelligence.
HB 171Virginiapassed
This bill ensures that alternative electricity suppliers serving large businesses in Virginia must meet renewable energy standards. It expands options for businesses with high electricity demand to choose their power provider while maintaining the state's clean energy goals.
SB 818Virginiapassed
This bill expands opportunities for high school students aged 16 and older to participate in culinary arts and information technology apprenticeship programs. Students must be continuously enrolled in an accredited secondary school and participate in a work-training program administered by the Board of Education to qualify.
SB 10Virginiapassed
This bill clarifies that an individual's information may continue to appear in a voluntary Marcus alert system database after they turn 18, if the database cannot be modified by the locality. This ensures continuity for individuals who previously opted into the system as minors, allowing their mental health crisis response information to persist into adulthood.
HB 249Virginiapassed
Virginia Military Institute will no longer have the authority to require cadets to attend drug or substance use disorder counseling, even when their substance use is disclosed in a sexual violence report and deemed a threat to their well-being. This change removes a specific pathway for mandatory substance use intervention at VMI for cadets who disclose drug or alcohol consumption in conjunction with reporting sexual violence.
HB 22Virginiapassed
This bill authorizes K-12 school boards to notify parents and staff about immigration enforcement presence and requires public colleges to adopt policies for warrant-based access to nonpublic areas. It also designates schools and public higher education institutions as protected areas where certain federal civil immigration enforcement activities are prohibited.
SB 351Virginiapassed
Virginia's Department of Medical Assistance Services will now train local school staff on how to effectively bill Medicaid for health services provided in schools. This initiative aims to increase Medicaid funding for student health services across the Commonwealth by helping schools fully leverage available resources.
SB 73Virginiapassed
This bill would allow pharmacists to remotely verify and counsel patients receiving medication for opioid use disorder, potentially increasing access to care at federally certified treatment programs. This operational change could make it easier for opioid treatment programs to staff pharmacist services, improving efficiency and patient convenience.
SB 421Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will develop and distribute guidance on best practices for open school enrollment policies to all local school boards. This initiative could inform how school boards manage student transfers between schools, potentially impacting student access and school choice options in the future.
HB 686Virginiafailed
Tradespersons who fail to provide written notification to property owners about installing invasive plant species could face civil penalties ranging from $250 to $1,000 per violation, rather than a Class 1 misdemeanor. This bill aims to discourage the spread of invasive plant species by shifting the enforcement mechanism from criminal charges to civil fines for those involved in their installation.
HB 710Virginiapassed
Virginia Medicaid will now cover remote patient monitoring services via telemedicine for high-risk pregnant and postpartum patients for up to 12 months after birth, expanding reimbursement for these services. The Department of Medical Assistance Services is also directed to study expanding this coverage to patients with advanced maternal age and report its findings by November 1, 2026.
HB 425Virginiapassed
Health insurance carriers will face new requirements for mental health and substance abuse network adequacy and could be fined up to $100,000 for non-compliance with parity laws. These changes aim to improve timely access to mental health and substance abuse care for individuals by ensuring adequate provider networks and stronger enforcement of federal parity laws.
SB 524Virginiapassed
New premiums will be assessed to employers to fund a statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program, beginning April 1, 2028. This program will require employers to contribute to a fund that provides up to 12 weeks of paid leave for covered employees.
SB 2Virginiapassed
This bill clarifies that school policies requiring parental notification for sexually explicit content apply only to materials directly assigned by teachers for specific assignments, excluding general library books. It also explicitly prohibits using these policies as a basis for censoring or removing books from public elementary and secondary schools.
HB 1499Virginiapassed
Dominion Energy Virginia will have two additional years, until 2027, to meet the requirement that 75% of its renewable energy certificates come from in-state resources, potentially slowing the development of local clean energy. The bill also removes a minimum capacity requirement for small-scale solar and wind projects to qualify for power purchase agreements and encourages development on previously developed sites.
SB 175Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Wildlife Corridor Grant Fund, which will provide grants for projects that conserve or enhance wildlife corridors and build associated wildlife crossing infrastructure. Individuals can make voluntary contributions to this fund through Department of Motor Vehicles electronic transactions or their individual income tax returns.
HB 597Virginiapassed
Schools will need to incorporate water safety instruction into elementary health education as part of the next Health Education Standards of Learning revision. This change aims to equip young students with essential life-saving knowledge and skills.
HB 705Virginiapassed
Localities can now establish suicide fatality review teams to analyze deaths by suicide, which could lead to improved prevention strategies. These teams will operate with exemptions from public information laws for their review records, protecting sensitive information.
HB 513Virginiapassed
Public elementary and secondary schools will be required to consider evidence-based restorative disciplinary practices before suspending, expelling, or excluding students, with exceptions for certain serious offenses. Schools must also document their rationale when choosing exclusionary discipline over restorative practices, and the Department of Education will collect data and provide guidelines on these practices.
HB 298Virginiapassed
The bill establishes a Smart Solar Permitting Platform to automate and streamline the process for obtaining permits for residential solar energy systems. This operational change aims to make it easier and faster for Virginia residents to install solar panels, thereby accelerating the adoption of clean energy.
HB 590Virginiapassed
This bill removes the existing cap on the transient occupancy tax in the City of Fairfax, potentially allowing the City Council to increase the tax rate on short-term rentals in the future. While it doesn't immediately change the tax rate, it grants the City Council more flexibility to adjust lodging taxes.
HB 1342Virginiapassed
School boards will need to develop new policies and provide training to staff by late 2026 and early 2027 to ensure no child is denied a free public education based on immigration status. This bill establishes a civil cause of action for violations and prohibits discrimination by schools and staff against students based on their or their parents' immigration status.
SB 491Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Virginia Commonwealth Award in state law and consolidates it with the Virginia Guaranteed Assistance Program, which will be phased out for new students starting Fall 2027. It also directs a work group to review financial aid systems to maximize the impact of state appropriations on accessibility, affordability, and student outcomes.
SB 167Virginiapassed
The Department of Fire Programs will develop a standardized, two-hour virtual mental health awareness training program specifically for firefighters. This training aims to equip firefighters with better mental health understanding and support, with fire departments having the option to adopt or adapt the program.
SB 140Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a formal definition for 'agrivoltaics' within the context of small renewable energy projects. This clarification could streamline the development and permitting process for solar installations that integrate agricultural uses, potentially accelerating renewable energy deployment and promoting efficient land management.
SB 340Virginiapassed
This bill extends the sunset date for a program allowing psychiatric emergency departments in Hampton to employ certified evaluators for temporary detention determinations by one year, from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2027. This ensures the continued operation of a program designed to facilitate timely behavioral health treatment evaluations in crisis situations.
SB 735Virginiapassed
This bill would encourage public elementary and secondary schools to promote or utilize the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline to address student bullying and cyberbullying. This operational change aims to provide students with a direct, accessible resource for mental health support in response to bullying.
HB 957Virginiapassed
This bill allows psychiatric emergency departments in Hampton to operate without a physician on duty under specific conditions, such as being immediately adjacent to a non-psychiatric emergency department. These departments would be required to submit annual treatment data to the General Assembly, providing oversight on this operational change.
SB 738Virginiapassed
Localities and tribes will find it easier to fund flood prevention and protection projects and studies in areas prone to recurrent flooding. This bill defers interest accrual and repayment obligations on loans and grants from the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund until the project or study is completed.
SB 197Virginiapassed
The Board of Education will establish criteria for a new high school diploma seal recognizing excellence in fine arts. This new seal will also count as an industry-recognized workforce credential, providing another option for students to meet high school graduation requirements.
HB 478Virginiapassed
Health insurance carriers in Virginia will be required to cover maternal mental health screenings during pregnancy and postpartum periods, and certain related prescription drugs will no longer need prior authorization. This change aims to improve access to essential maternal mental health care for expecting and new parents.
HB 1400Virginiapassed
This bill tightens rules for carrying firearms or explosive materials within buildings at Virginia's public institutions of higher education. It limits exemptions to only those instances where weapons are part of approved curriculum, activities, or authorized programs, and are explicitly approved by campus law enforcement.
HB 626Virginiapassed
Schools will be required to grant up to five excused absences for students to visit immediate family members who are deploying, on leave from deployment, or returning from deployment outside the U.S. This change provides specific rights to students from military families, ensuring they can spend time with loved ones during critical deployment periods without academic penalty.
HB 653Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new grant program to help public bodies in Virginia pay for the costs of connecting solar facilities to the electricity grid. The program aims to accelerate solar energy development by making it more affordable for public entities to integrate new solar projects.
SB 659Virginiapassed
Medical care facilities will need to adjust their data reporting practices for charity care, which will now be valued based on gross patient charges rather than other metrics. This change removes limitations on what constitutes a "reviewable service" for reporting, aiming to provide a more comprehensive and transparent view of the charity care provided by healthcare facilities.
HB 606Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new grant procedures for funding substance use disorder treatment and transition services in local and regional jails. It requires these grants to be for up to three years and mandates that applicants demonstrate a plan for financial viability.
SB 599Virginiapassed
This bill allows local service districts to actively control the spread of invasive plant species identified by the Department of Conservation and Recreation. This change empowers localities to better protect native ecosystems and biodiversity within their service areas.
HB 388Virginiapassed
This bill will increase public access to information about health insurance plans by requiring the State Corporation Commission to post an inventory of mandated benefits and providers. It also mandates annual reports from health carriers on provider network changes and consolidates balance billing reports, aiming to improve oversight and consumer awareness.
HB 618Virginiapassed
This bill would allow terminally ill adults in Virginia to request and receive a prescription for a self-administered controlled substance to end their lives, fundamentally changing end-of-life care options. It establishes specific requirements for such requests, provides legal immunity for participating healthcare providers, and sets penalties for coercion or fraud related to these decisions.
HB 886Virginiain committee
The state's sickle cell screening and treatment program will expand its operational scope by requiring the offering of educational resources to healthcare providers. These resources will inform providers about the increased risks for certain cancers among individuals with sickle cell disease or the sickle cell trait.
HB 392Virginiapassed
The Department of Energy will identify and develop training resources to advance the offshore wind industry workforce in Virginia. This initiative aims to accelerate the growth of clean energy production, supporting the state's climate and environmental objectives.
SB 25Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a task force to evaluate the effectiveness of Virginia's Marcus Alert system for mental health crisis response. The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will convene this task force to recommend improvements to the system.
HB 225Virginiapassed
The bill establishes new operational requirements for individuals prohibited from possessing firearms due to protective orders or domestic violence convictions, mandating they report firearm transfers to the court clerk. It also restricts transfers to individuals aged 21 or older who do not reside with the prohibited person, tightening existing loopholes.
HB 93Virginiapassed
The Department of Criminal Justice Services will no longer be required to develop a model addiction recovery program for local and regional jails. This change means jails will not have a state-developed framework to guide their addiction treatment efforts, potentially impacting the quality or availability of such programs.
HB 454Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new process for voters to apply for an emergency absentee ballot if their original ballot is not received in time or if a personal or family emergency prevents them from voting on Election Day. This operational change provides an additional safeguard for voters facing unforeseen circumstances to ensure they can cast their ballot.
HB 1244Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new statewide criteria for local ordinances regulating ground-mounted solar facilities, requiring localities to report approval decisions and creating a public database of these outcomes. For solar projects filed after July 1, 2026, local ordinances inconsistent with these state provisions will not apply, potentially streamlining and accelerating renewable energy development in Virginia.
HB 711Virginiapassed
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will convene a task force to evaluate the effectiveness of the Marcus Alert system. This operational change aims to improve the statewide crisis response system for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies.
SB 514Virginiapassed
The bill establishes a grant program to help public bodies reduce costs associated with connecting solar facilities to the electric grid. This program aims to accelerate solar energy adoption in Virginia by making it more affordable for public entities to develop solar projects.
HB 683Virginiapassed
Virginia small businesses would be required to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked to most employees, increasing operational costs and administrative burdens. Non-compliance could result in civil penalties up to $500 per violation and employee lawsuits seeking double unpaid leave and actual damages, with regulations to be promulgated by July 1, 2027.
HB 5Virginiapassed
This bill would significantly increase labor costs and administrative burdens for Virginia small businesses by mandating paid sick leave for all employees. Employers could face civil penalties up to $500 per violation and lawsuits for double damages if they fail to comply with the new requirements.
SB 372Virginiain committee
This bill allows state behavioral health facilities to process sealed letter mail for electronic delivery, potentially enhancing communication options for individuals receiving services. This operational change affects how mail is handled within facilities overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.
HB 1304Virginiapassed
This bill mandates a substantial increase in energy storage capacity for Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy Virginia, with targets reaching tens of thousands of megawatts by 2040-2045. This expansion is crucial for integrating more renewable energy into Virginia's grid, directly supporting climate and clean energy goals.
SB 448Virginiapassed
This bill changes how population data is used for drawing legislative districts. It requires individuals civilly committed to residential behavioral health facilities to be counted and reallocated for reapportionment and redistricting purposes.
SB 88Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new operational procedures for the Department of Elections regarding voter list maintenance, including data quality standards and a requirement for notice before any voter registration cancellation. It also sets specific rules for using the SAVE Program for citizenship verification, prohibiting its use as the sole reason for rejecting a registration or for bulk verification.
HB 972Virginiapassed
Virginia school boards will be required to annually notify parents about the importance of safe firearm storage and their legal responsibilities, including relevant state laws and youth firearm fatality statistics. This operational change aims to enhance public awareness and education regarding safe gun practices in households with children.
SB 109Virginiapassed
Health carriers will face stricter regulations regarding timely access to mental health and substance abuse care, including new network adequacy standards and increased scrutiny of their compliance with mental health parity laws. The Bureau of Insurance can impose penalties up to $100,000 for non-compliant analyses or require carriers to fix limitations, ultimately aiming to improve patient access to necessary services.
HB 656Virginiapassed
This bill clarifies that state laws prohibiting health insurance cost-sharing only apply to in-network providers, potentially increasing out-of-pocket costs for out-of-network services. It also ensures high-deductible health plans can maintain eligibility for health savings accounts by allowing them to apply cost-sharing where needed.
HB 813Virginiapassed
Virginia school boards will be required to provide high school students and parents with guidance on financial aid applications and set goals to increase application completion rates. This initiative aims to boost student awareness and access to federal and state financial aid programs for higher education.
HB 1095Virginiapassed
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.
SB 650Virginiapassed
This bill extends the authorization for psychiatric emergency departments in Hampton to employ certified evaluators for temporary detention assessments until July 1, 2027. This ensures the continued operation of a program designed to efficiently determine the need for involuntary behavioral health treatment.
HB 1292Virginiapassed
This bill changes how local school divisions' ability to pay for public education is calculated, potentially altering the amount of state funding they receive. Starting July 1, 2026, the value of tax-exempt properties owned by certain disabled veterans or surviving military spouses will be excluded from the calculation of the composite index.
HB 1167Virginiafailed
This bill allows the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to amend the state's comprehensive plan for mental health, substance abuse, and developmental disability crisis services, including the Marcus alert system. These amendments will require stakeholder consultation and a 30-day public comment period, ensuring state and local operations align with the updated plan.
HB 453Virginiapassed
Virginia school boards would gain increased operational flexibility to set their academic calendars by being permitted to start the school year earlier. The earliest allowed start date would shift from 14 days before Labor Day to 14 days before September 1st, potentially enabling schools to begin classes up to a week sooner.
HB 1455Virginiapassed
This bill authorizes Dominion Energy Virginia to release an additional 525 megawatts of shared solar capacity, significantly expanding access to renewable energy for Virginia customers. It also directs the State Corporation Commission to evaluate the program's costs and benefits and determine future capacity allocations by specific deadlines.
SB 254Virginiapassed
This bill will allow hospital staff to store, dispense, and administer medical cannabis oil to terminally ill patients with valid certifications, exempting staff from criminal penalties. It also directs the Department of Health to develop regulations and convene a work group to implement these changes by November 1, 2026.
HB 75Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new three-year renewable teaching license, allowing qualified higher education instructors to teach career and technical education or dual enrollment courses in public high schools. School boards employing these instructors must provide training during their first year, expanding options for specialized instruction.
HB 332Virginiapassed
This bill mandates the Board of Education to revise regulations for division superintendents, requiring candidates to attest to good character and demonstrated administrative ability. It also updates Option IV for licensure, specifying five years of educational experience, including teaching and administration, and a recommendation from a small school division.
HB 1165Virginiapassed
This bill streamlines the approval process for battery energy storage projects co-located with commercial solar facilities by making them a permitted accessory use, eliminating the need for additional local land use approvals. This change is expected to accelerate the deployment of energy storage, which is vital for integrating renewable energy into Virginia's power grid.
SB 443Virginiapassed
Local law enforcement agencies in Virginia may now establish voluntary firearm give-back or buy-back programs, with specific requirements for their policies and annual reporting. Funds generated from the sale or auction of returned firearms can support these programs or be deposited into the locality's general fund.
HB 702Virginiapassed
This bill allows local school boards to create policies for volunteers to offer student life counseling and support services on school property after hours. Any such policy must include public hearings, criminal background checks for volunteers, and require written parental consent for minor students to participate.
SB 603Virginiafailed
This bill significantly increases the maximum civil penalties for violations of erosion and sediment control regulations, raising them from $1,000 or $10,000 up to $32,500 per violation. While the general maximum penalty increases, smaller land-disturbing activities (10,000 sq ft to less than one acre) will see penalties capped at $5,000 per violation and $50,000 for a series, potentially limiting financial exposure for some small businesses.
HB 1350Virginiapassed
This bill extends the terms of governing board members at Virginia's public universities from four to six years and mandates the adoption of shared governance policies within these institutions. It also directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to develop model shared governance policies and study legal counsel practices for universities, including processes for addressing inadequate representation or conflicts of interest.
SB 494Virginiapassed
This bill would allow psychiatric emergency departments in the City of Hampton to operate without a physician on duty if they meet specific conditions, such as having agreements with EMS and being adjacent to a non-psychiatric emergency department. These departments would also be required to submit annual treatment data to the General Assembly by November 1.
HB 1318Virginiapassed
Virginia small businesses would be required to provide paid sick leave to all employees, increasing operational costs and introducing new civil penalties for non-compliance. Employees would accrue one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked, usable for personal or family illness, or issues related to domestic abuse, sexual assault, or stalking.
SB 199Virginiapassed
Virginia's colleges and universities would face new operational requirements, prohibiting them from sharing student-athlete biometric data without prior written consent. The bill also grants college student-athletes new rights by preventing institutions or entities from making biometric data ownership a condition of name, image, or likeness (NIL) contracts without separate, explicit consent.
HB 971Virginiapassed
The bill mandates that the Governor's budget proposals for 2027 and 2028 include funding to raise the average teacher salary in Virginia to at least the national average by the end of fiscal year 2029. This establishes a specific timeline and process for achieving this compensation goal for K-12 instructional and support staff.
SB 284Virginiain committee
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.
SB 620Virginiapassed
The bill prohibits the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) from planting invasive species on state highway rights-of-way and requires VDOT to review current invasive plant prevalence and develop a plan for their removal and ongoing management. This operational change aims to protect native ecosystems and biodiversity by preventing the spread of harmful plants along state roads.
HB 88Virginiapassed
This bill ensures that any new or modified high school graduation requirements will only apply to students who enter ninth grade starting in the 2027-2028 school year or later. This means current high school students and those entering before 2027-2028 will complete their education under the rules in place when they began ninth grade.
HB 1283Virginiapassed
If passed, this bill would allow zero-carbon nuclear power plants in Virginia to count towards the state's renewable energy portfolio standard. This change could shift how utilities invest in and report on their clean energy efforts, potentially reducing the need for new solar, wind, or other traditionally renewable projects to meet the standard.
SB 457Virginiafailed
This bill allows law enforcement agencies in different jurisdictions to form joint behavioral health co-response teams, potentially improving crisis response for individuals experiencing behavioral health emergencies. This operational change could lead to more coordinated and specialized responses to behavioral health-related calls across local government boundaries.
HB 248Virginiapassed
The Department of Fire Programs will develop a new, standardized virtual mental health awareness training program for firefighters. This training aims to improve mental health support and understanding among fire department personnel across Virginia.
HB 325Virginiapassed
This bill allows Virginia localities to require the installation of solar canopies over up to 50% of large non-residential parking areas. This change could significantly boost renewable energy generation and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by enabling local mandates for solar infrastructure.
HB 457Virginiain committee
Virginia small businesses will be required to provide reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing menopause or perimenopause and are prohibited from discriminating based on these conditions. This change to the Virginia Human Rights Act will necessitate updates to HR policies and practices to ensure compliance with new employment protections.
HB 1173Virginiapassed
This bill ensures that a general finding of incapacity for guardianship or conservatorship does not automatically disqualify a person from voting in Virginia. Instead, a court must make a specific finding, based on clear and convincing evidence, that an individual lacks the capacity to understand the act of voting before their voting rights can be removed.
SB 34Virginiapassed
Virginia will establish a Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network by July 1, 2027, to provide healthcare providers with real-time consultation from sickle cell specialists. This initiative aims to improve the quality of care and support for patients with sickle cell disease across the Commonwealth.
SB 813Virginiapassed
Health insurance companies will be required to send notices of denied claims or services to patients within five business days. These notices must also include specific details about the person who made the denial decision, empowering patients with more information to understand and appeal adverse determinations.
HB 701Virginiapassed
This bill clarifies that a pregnant woman's prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug as prescribed by her healthcare provider cannot be the sole reason to suspect child abuse or neglect. This change provides legal protection for pregnant individuals following medical advice, potentially reducing barriers to seeking necessary healthcare during pregnancy.
SB 36Virginiafailed
TPA-certified optometrists in Virginia will gain the ability to sell and dispense Schedule VI controlled substances directly to their patients, potentially increasing revenue streams and patient convenience. However, this new authority requires obtaining an additional license from the Board of Pharmacy and complying with new regulations for dispensing, storage, and recordkeeping.
HB 1006Virginiapassed
School boards will be required to develop and implement divisionwide plans for student diabetes care by the 2027–2028 school year, ensuring trained staff and expanding students' rights to use personal devices for health management. The Department of Education will also update its diabetes management manual and provide informational materials for parents on diabetes.
HB 624Virginiain committee
This bill expands the prohibited zone for carrying firearms around polling places and other voting-related locations from 40 feet to 100 feet. This operational change aims to enhance safety and reduce potential intimidation at election sites by further restricting firearm presence.
HB 909Virginiapassed
The Department of Energy will identify and develop training resources to build a skilled workforce for Virginia's offshore wind industry. This initiative aims to accelerate the development of renewable energy infrastructure, contributing to the state's climate goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
HB 67Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new grant fund and program to offer competitive grants to K-12 school divisions. These grants will assist schools in developing local plans for student environmental literacy, administered by the Office of Environmental Education with input from the Department of Education.
HB 1038Virginiafailed
This bill requires the Commonwealth to join the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), an interstate program designed to improve the accuracy of voter registration lists. This operational change aims to enhance election integrity by identifying duplicate registrations and eligible but unregistered voters.
SB 57Virginiapassed
Public school teachers and other relevant full-time personnel will be required to complete mental health awareness training specifically addressing high-risk youth populations, based on American Psychological Association best practices. This change aims to enhance staff capacity to support student mental health needs, building on existing training requirements by adding specific content mandates.
HB 38Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new Medical Education Loan-for-Service Fund and Program to provide financial assistance to students pursuing medical education at public institutions. Loans will be forgiven if recipients complete a service agreement to practice in designated areas, with applications opening by January 2027 and disbursements by July 2027.
HB 663Virginiafailed
This bill prevents health insurance companies from blocking in-network doctors from referring patients or lab samples to any other in-network clinical lab or pathology service. This change aims to ensure smoother access to covered services by allowing providers more flexibility in choosing in-network partners for diagnostic testing.
SB 745Virginiapassed
This bill establishes specific deadlines for filing legal challenges to a candidate's qualifications to appear on the ballot, requiring such actions to be filed well in advance of general, primary, and special elections. It also prevents challenges to primary-nominated candidates based on facts known before the primary, aiming to streamline the election process and ensure timely resolution of eligibility disputes.
SB 169Virginiapassed
This bill gives courts discretion, rather than requiring them, to deny driving privileges for students who fail to meet school attendance requirements. This change could reduce the number of students losing their licenses due to truancy, offering more flexibility in judicial decisions.
SB 146Virginiapassed
This bill grants service districts the operational authority to control invasive plant species, potentially leading to more localized efforts to protect native ecosystems. This change could improve land and wildlife conservation by empowering local entities to manage environmental threats more effectively.
SB 89Virginiapassed
State-regulated facilities, including those overseen by the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, will be required to keep certain rooms at no more than 77 degrees Fahrenheit. This operational change aims to improve comfort and well-being for residents and patients in these facilities.
HB 81Virginiain committee
This bill establishes a new state-issued firearm purchaser license, requiring individuals to be at least 21, pass a background check, and complete a safety course to buy a firearm from a dealer. It also mandates that all private firearm sales include a background check verified by the Department of State Police.
HB 1359Virginiafailed
The Department of Health will now be required to maintain a public list of agencies receiving opioid antagonists and submit regular reports on the program's distribution and estimated costs. This enhances transparency and oversight for a state program critical to addressing the opioid crisis and supporting substance-use care in Virginia.
SB 706Virginiapassed
This bill expands the categories of individuals prohibited from purchasing, possessing, or transporting firearms due to domestic violence convictions. It specifically includes 'intimate partners' and cohabitants in the definition of 'family or household member' and establishes a new misdemeanor offense for firearm possession after an intimate partner assault conviction, effective July 1, 2026.
SB 160Virginiapassed
TPA-certified optometrists will be able to sell and dispense Schedule VI controlled substances directly to their patients, potentially increasing convenience and access to these medications. This change requires optometrists to obtain a license from the Board of Pharmacy and comply with specific regulations for dispensing, storage, and recordkeeping.
SB 212Virginiapassed
This bill makes it easier for Virginians to use small portable solar devices by preventing local governments from prohibiting them and stopping utilities from imposing fees or interconnection requirements. It also allows tenants to install these devices, expanding access to clean energy generation across the state.
SB 250Virginiapassed
This bill directs the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, in collaboration with the Department of Education, to develop a plan to expand the Postsecondary Education Rehabilitation Transition (PERT) Program. The expansion aims to increase the number of students assisted in their transition from high school to postsecondary programs, including providing resources to local community services boards and developing online tools.
HB 996Virginiapassed
This constitutional amendment would operationally expand the pool of eligible voters by allowing 16- and 17-year-olds to register and vote in local elections in Virginia. If passed, election officials would need to update voter registration systems and processes to accommodate these younger voters.
HJ 45Virginiain committee
This bill reduces operational costs for large businesses (accelerated clean energy buyers) by exempting them from certain fees tied to the state's renewable energy standard when they procure their own clean energy. It revises the rules under which these buyers can contract for renewable energy certificates from Appalachian Power or Dominion Energy Virginia.
SB 598Virginiapassed
The Department of Health will develop a strategic plan to reduce opioid overdose and overdose deaths across Virginia. This initiative aims to improve public health outcomes by coordinating efforts to combat the opioid crisis.
SB 308Virginiapassed
The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services will establish an Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation Program to provide services to young children with behavioral health concerns and to early childhood care programs. This program will launch in three pilot regions by January 1, 2027, with annual reports on its implementation and outcomes.
SB 259Virginiain committee
This bill allows vehicles to receive an emissions inspection waiver if their onboard diagnostic system is not ready for re-testing after an initial failure, potentially allowing some higher-emitting vehicles to avoid full compliance. This change could reduce the effectiveness of Virginia's vehicle emissions inspection program in improving air quality.
SB 767Virginiapassed
This bill prevents colleges from raising tuition or mandatory fees for other students to cover the costs of the Enslaved Ancestors College Access Scholarship Program. It also requires the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia to create a work group for program administration and develop a statewide online portal with program details and application information.
HB 404Virginiapassed
This bill expands work-based learning opportunities for high school students in Virginia. It permits students aged 16 or older, continuously enrolled in secondary school, to participate in culinary arts or information technology apprenticeship programs administered by the Board of Education.
HB 275Virginiapassed
This bill would increase labor costs for Virginia farm businesses by requiring them to pay farm laborers and employees the state minimum wage. The current exemption for farm workers from minimum wage requirements would be eliminated, effective January 1, 2027.
SB 121Virginiapassed
This bill defines "agrivoltaics" for small renewable energy projects, which could facilitate the development of solar installations that integrate agricultural uses. This new definition aims to encourage more efficient land use by allowing both food production and clean energy generation on the same land.
HB 508Virginiapassed
This bill removes a specific cap on the transient occupancy tax within the City of Fairfax's charter, which could lead to increased costs for short-term rental hosts. The change allows the City Council to potentially raise the transient occupancy tax rate beyond its previous limit, directly affecting host profitability.
SB 581Virginiapassed
This bill expands the duties of the Suicide Prevention Coordinator to compile and analyze data on veteran and military suicides and collaborate with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services on prevention programs. The State Registrar of Vital Records will now provide suicide data for veterans and military service members to the Department of Veterans Services for inclusion in their annual report.
HB 529Virginiapassed
Starting July 1, 2026, new data centers in Virginia will face stricter operational requirements, as their engine-generators must meet or exceed Tier 4 emission standards to receive air permits. This change aims to reduce air pollution by ensuring that backup power systems for data centers operate with lower emissions.
HB 507Virginiapassed
This bill would allow students pursuing an International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma to substitute certain IB courses for Virginia's history, government, economics, and personal finance graduation requirements for an advanced studies diploma. It also creates waivers for emergency first aid training for students with IEPs or 504 plans, and for transfer students who did not previously receive such training.
SB 63Virginiapassed
Virginia high schools will be able to offer a new Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) training and certification program for students. This program aims to provide high school students with a direct pathway to become certified CNAs upon graduation, administered by the Board of Education in collaboration with the Board of Nursing.
HB 413Virginiapassed
The Board of Education must review and consider changes to how Virginia schools are evaluated and labeled for performance. This includes developing clearer performance labels and giving equal or greater weight to student growth compared to proficiency in accountability measures.
HB 643Virginiapassed
Virginia employers would be required to pay premiums to fund a new statewide paid family and medical leave insurance program starting April 1, 2028. This program would also impose new notice requirements and potential civil actions on businesses.
HB 1207Virginiapassed
This bill establishes new operational requirements for individuals and entities involved in the captive breeding and care of mammalian wildlife, prohibiting premature separation of offspring and commercial hybridization. These changes aim to improve animal welfare and maintain genetic integrity within captive mammalian populations in Virginia.
HB 112Virginiapassed
Medicaid will now explicitly cover and pay for consultations between healthcare providers when conducted through telemedicine services. This change aims to improve access to specialized medical advice for patients covered by Virginia's Medicaid program.
HB 1284Virginiapassed
This bill aims to reduce prescription drug costs and increase transparency by requiring health insurance carriers to use a pass-through pricing model for pharmacy benefits managers (PBMs). It also prohibits PBMs from reducing pharmacy payments or retroactively denying claims, which could lead to more stable drug prices for consumers.
HB 830Virginiapassed
This bill modifies grant procedures for the Virginia Opioid Use Reduction and Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Transition Fund, impacting how local and regional jails receive money for substance use disorder treatment. Grants will now be awarded for up to three years, requiring applicants to demonstrate a plan for financial self-sufficiency.
HB 455Virginiapassed
This bill ensures that any new or modified high school graduation requirements or diploma pathways will only apply to students who enter ninth grade after the changes are implemented. This provides stability for students and families by preventing current high school students from facing altered graduation rules mid-way through their studies, with application beginning for students entering ninth grade in the 2027-2028 school year.
SB 724Virginiapassed
Virginia restaurants and caterers holding mixed beverage licenses will face new, often lower, food-to-beverage sales ratio requirements, potentially offering more flexibility in their business models. Many smaller establishments, particularly those with limited seating, will benefit from a reduced 30% ratio, while larger ones may be exempt entirely.
HB 975Virginiapassed
The Department of Health will develop a strategic plan to reduce drug overdose and drug overdose deaths across the Commonwealth. This operational change aims to improve the state's response to the opioid crisis and enhance support for individuals with substance use disorders.
HB 794Virginiapassed
This bill permanently expands the option for Virginia localities to use ranked choice voting for any local governing body election. It also requires the State Board of Elections to establish standards, approve software, provide voter education, and review voting equipment testing.
HB 630Virginiapassed
This bill allows Virginia electric utility customers to own and operate small portable solar generation devices without utility approval or fees. It prohibits investor-owned utilities, municipal utilities, and electric cooperatives from imposing interconnection requirements or charges for these plug-in solar panels.
HB 289Virginiain committee
This bill removes the current $25,000 cap on homeownership and workforce housing grants that localities can offer to school board employees and school division personnel. It also eliminates income and sales price guidelines, allowing localities to provide more substantial and flexible housing assistance to help school staff afford to live in their communities.
SB 328Virginiapassed
Virginia's major electric utilities will undertake comprehensive assessments and launch pilot programs to better connect solar and energy storage projects to the grid. This initiative aims to accelerate the integration of clean energy resources by utilizing surplus interconnection service.
HB 1065Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a Smart Solar Permitting Platform to streamline the process for contractors to obtain permits for residential solar energy systems, potentially accelerating the adoption of clean energy. The Department of Energy will launch this online platform by July 1, 2027, requiring localities to use it or an alternative by July 1, 2028.
SB 382Virginiapassed
This bill ensures that Virginia consumers will continue to have access to energy- and water-efficient appliances, even if federal standards are rolled back. It requires manufacturers and sellers in the Commonwealth to meet minimum energy and water conservation standards for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and home appliances.
SB 256Virginiapassed
This bill makes the Commission on School Construction and Modernization a permanent body, requiring it to meet at least four times annually, update statewide facility needs, and develop a 10-year capital roadmap by November 1, 2026. This ongoing work will inform future decisions about funding and improving K-12 school buildings and community college facilities across Virginia.
SB 498Virginiapassed
Short-term rental hosts in Arlington County may face an additional transient occupancy tax of up to one percent if the county chooses to implement it. This bill grants Arlington County the authority to impose this new tax, potentially increasing the cost for guests and the amount hosts must collect and remit.
SB 314Virginiapassed
Providers serving individuals with developmental disabilities will need to implement new emergency medical simulations and train staff to respond to medical emergencies. These facilities will also be required to have at least one employee trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) on duty at all times.
HB 1370Virginiapassed
Water users providing water offsite will need to report more detailed consumption data, specifically breaking out water used by data centers, domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. This increased transparency will provide state regulators with better information on water usage patterns, aiding in water resource management and environmental planning.
HB 496Virginiapassed
This bill reduces regulatory burdens for small home-based care facilities by exempting them from restaurant regulations. Facilities providing custodial care to 12 or fewer adults or children in a home will no longer need to comply with rules designed for restaurants.
SB 677Virginiapassed
Electric utilities would be required to propose pilot programs for solar energy, energy storage, and conservation for low-income, elderly, and disabled individuals. The State Corporation Commission will also evaluate and potentially mandate new energy efficiency programs from these utilities.
HB 1062Virginiapassed
The State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) will develop new guidelines to help students with disabilities transition from high school to college, ensuring they receive timely services and accommodations. These guidelines will be available to IEP teams and public colleges, with private colleges encouraged to adopt them, aiming to improve support for students with disabilities pursuing higher education.
HB 468Virginiapassed
The Department of Elections will receive information from correctional facilities to automatically update voter registration systems for individuals upon release, and these individuals will be provided with voter registration applications. This bill expands voting rights by automatically restoring them for felons upon release from incarceration and clarifies the standard for mental competency to vote, contingent on a 2026 constitutional amendment.
SB 162Virginiapassed
State agencies will convene a work group to evaluate the Commonwealth's response to parental prenatal and postnatal substance use, including available services and effects on children. This group will submit findings and recommendations to legislative committees by December 1, 2026.
SB 133Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will assess how funds designated for regional special education students are utilized. This assessment aims to identify strategies to maximize funding use and reduce the number of students with disabilities placed in private day schools.
HB 1373Virginiaon the floor
This bill directs the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources to convene a work group to evaluate the ecological impacts of surface water withdrawals on native migratory fish and freshwater systems. The work group will develop recommendations for updating water intake regulations and assessing measures to reduce aquatic organism mortality.
HB 1126Virginiafailed
The State Health Commissioner will establish a Sickle Cell Coordinated Access Network by July 1, 2027, to provide healthcare providers with real-time consultation from sickle cell specialists. This network aims to improve the quality of care for patients with sickle cell disease across the Commonwealth.
HB 1391Virginiapassed
This bill expands the types of healthcare facilities, including health systems and affiliated urgent care centers, that can employ radiologic technologists without requiring them to hold a state license. This operational change could make it easier to staff diagnostic imaging services and potentially reduce costs for these providers.
HB 452Virginiapassed
The Roanoke Higher Education Authority's board of trustees will be restructured, reducing its total membership from 19 to 18 by removing the presidents of Old Dominion University and the University of Virginia and adding the president of Appalachian College of Pharmacy. Additionally, the President of Total Action for Progress will gain the ability to designate a representative to serve on the board.
SB 242Virginiapassed
This bill directs the State Corporation Commission to issue new regulations establishing minimum standards for Medicare supplement policies, including how coverage decisions are disclosed. A work group will also be convened to review these policies and recommend improvements to care, waste reduction, and consumer protections, with a report due by December 1, 2026.
HB 358Virginiapassed
A state work group will be formed to develop policy and legislative recommendations for establishing a Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center. This group will collaborate with experts and report its findings to the General Assembly by December 15, 2026.
SB 364Virginiapassed
This bill updates the governance and reporting requirements for the Western Virginia Public Education Consortium, including changes to its board membership and when it must submit an annual executive summary. It also removes the Consortium's mandate to develop linkages with Northern Virginia schools for educational technology.
SB 692Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will establish a work group to review and recommend improvements for alternative teacher licensure pathways in Virginia. This initiative aims to enhance the quality and effectiveness of how public school teachers are certified, with reports due by October 2026 and October 2027.
SB 450Virginiapassed
Health insurance carriers in Virginia will be prohibited from denying coverage for early refills of prescription eye drops under specific medical necessity and usage conditions. This change, effective January 1, 2027, aims to ensure patients can maintain consistent treatment and avoid unexpected out-of-pocket costs for these essential medications.
HB 490Virginiapassed
The Department of Health will now be required to submit quarterly and annual reports detailing the distribution of opioid antagonists and estimating future program costs. This measure aims to enhance transparency and accountability for Virginia's program providing life-saving overdose reversal drugs.
HB 1063Virginiapassed
This bill mandates the inclusion of a qualified mental health professional on the Virginia Parole Board, ensuring mental health expertise in parole decisions for juvenile offenders. It also requires the Board to give substantial weight to adolescent development, trauma responses, and psychological factors when evaluating juvenile offenders for parole.
SB 60Virginiapassed
Patients will receive a standardized form detailing all fees for nonemergency medical transportation services before they are provided, ensuring upfront transparency about costs. This new requirement, effective January 2027, will be supported by a form developed by the Department of Health.
HB 1115Virginiapassed
This bill allows Virginia localities to require solar canopies over up to 50 percent of large non-residential parking areas (100+ spaces). This change could increase renewable energy generation and reduce carbon emissions by allowing the generated electricity to offset building consumption.
SB 26Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new advisory board to review and recommend changes to how African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous histories are taught in Virginia's K-12 schools. The board will advise the Governor and General Assembly on curriculum frameworks, Standards of Learning, and the creation of new elective courses related to these populations.
HB 814Virginiafailed
The Board of Education will be required to develop and implement a new health care literacy program for 9th and 10th graders as part of the Health Education Standards of Learning. This change will also involve removing any outdated or duplicative health instruction from the curriculum.
HB 462Virginiapassed
Virginia public school divisions will be required to develop and implement division-wide plans for the medical care and management of students with diabetes. This ensures standardized support for students with diabetes in public elementary and secondary schools, starting with the 2028-2029 school year.
SB 122Virginiapassed
Healthcare providers will be able to submit all required information for health insurance claims, medical necessity, and prior authorizations to carriers electronically. This change, effective January 1, 2027, aims to streamline administrative processes for providers and potentially speed up claim resolution.
SB 172Virginiapassed
Hospital staff will be able to store, dispense, and administer medical cannabis oil to terminally ill patients with valid certification, exempting them from criminal penalties. The Department of Health is directed to create regulations and a work group to implement these changes, with a report due by November 1, 2026.
SB 332Virginiapassed
The Department of Education will be required to provide school boards with existing regulations on seclusion and restraint and encourage their compliance. It will also need to submit a detailed report by October 1, 2026, on how these regulations are being implemented and enforced across Virginia's public schools.
HB 1229Virginiapassed
The Department of General Services will be directed to set goals for electrifying Virginia's state vehicle fleet and installing electric vehicle charging stations at state facilities. This operational change aims to reduce the Commonwealth's carbon footprint by transitioning to cleaner transportation options.
HB 890Virginiain committee
This bill initiates a study that could lead to changes in how local school divisions report their compliance with state education standards. The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) will investigate the accuracy of data submitted by school boards regarding the Standards of Quality and recommend improvements.
HJ 40Virginiafailed
Virginia's driver education curriculum will be updated by the 2026-2027 school year to place greater emphasis on the dangers of reckless driving, including excessive speeds. This update will include new instructional materials, interviews with affected families, and partnerships with law enforcement to provide real-world examples in both classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
HB 1352Virginiapassed
Manufacturers and sellers of dietary supplements will need to update their labels to include ingredient lists and gluten disclaimers. Pharmacists will be required to provide all federally mandated information with prescription drugs and offer counseling for nonprescription drugs upon request, effective July 1, 2027.
SB 486Virginiafailed
The Department of Elections will convene a work group to study the implementation of a back-end, opt-out automatic voter registration system. This group will assess the costs, benefits, effectiveness, efficiency, and security of such a system compared to current processes, with a report due by November 1, 2026.
SB 658Virginiapassed
This bill standardizes how ballots are counted by requiring the use of ballot scanner machines for machine-readable ballots, with limited exceptions for hand-counting. It also establishes a bipartisan process for duplicating damaged or defective machine-readable ballots during the processing of provisional and absentee votes.
HB 968Virginiapassed
Virginia will establish a work group to evaluate the federal 340B Drug Pricing Program's effects on drug pricing, governance, and pharmacy access in the Commonwealth. This group will specifically examine the program's impacts on transparency and the availability of pharmacy services in rural and underserved areas, reporting its findings by November 1, 2026.
SB 278Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a tighter deadline for political parties to nominate candidates for special elections to fill General Assembly vacancies occurring between December 10 and March 1. Parties will now have seven days from the election writ or order to nominate their candidates, aiming to streamline the special election process.
HB 1528Virginiapassed
This bill modifies the composition of the advisory committee and work group for the College and Career Ready Virginia Program. It removes the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond from participation in these bodies, which help administer the program.
HB 1039Virginiapassed
This bill requires election officials to notify voters of errors on provisional ballots and absentee ballot applications, allowing them to correct issues and ensure their vote is counted. It also makes absentee ballot application status more transparent and extends deadlines for correcting errors, with an effective date of September 1, 2026.
SB 582Virginiapassed
This bill extends the deadline for voters to submit absentee ballots, cure ballot issues, or provide identification for provisional ballots from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the third day after an election. This operational change provides voters with an additional five hours to ensure their votes are counted.
SB 58Virginiapassed
The Roanoke Higher Education Authority's board of trustees will see a reduction in total membership from 19 to 18, with specific changes to which university presidents serve. This adjustment primarily affects the representation of various higher education institutions on the board responsible for the Authority's governance.
HB 423Virginiapassed
This bill would prevent health insurance carriers from charging higher premiums to individuals who use tobacco. For individual and small group health insurance plans, this change would eliminate the current authority for carriers to charge tobacco users up to 1.5 times more, effective January 1, 2027.
HB 220Virginiapassed
The Department of Wildlife Resources will be required to create and maintain a webpage educating the public on responsible fishing tackle recycling and disposal. This operational change aims to reduce plastic pollution in Virginia's waterways and protect wildlife.
HB 291Virginiapassed
State agencies will convene a work group to evaluate Virginia's response to parental substance use during and after pregnancy. This group will assess available services and the effects on children, reporting findings and recommendations to legislative committees by December 1, 2026, which could inform future policy on substance use treatment and support.
HB 652Virginiapassed
The Board of Education will begin biennial reviews in 2026 to ensure all career and technical education (CTE) courses and credentials offered to public school students align with current workforce demands. This process aims to better prepare students for employment, higher education, or military service by ensuring CTE programs are relevant and effective.
SB 592Virginiapassed
The Department of Conservation and Recreation will undertake a study to identify methods for mitigating flooding in Prince Edward County. This operational change will focus on the Appomattox River and its tributaries to enhance flood resilience for Farmville and surrounding areas.
SJ 28Virginiafailed
The Department of Education will develop guidance for local school boards on providing culturally responsive and language-appropriate mental health support and services to students. This operational change aims to improve access and quality of mental health care for students by ensuring services are tailored to their cultural and linguistic needs.
HB 1113Virginiapassed
This resolution directs the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV) to study inclusive postsecondary education programs for students with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at public institutions. This operational change will result in a report with findings and recommendations submitted to legislative committees by December 1, 2026, potentially informing future policy decisions regarding higher education access for this population.
HJ 49Virginiafailed
This resolution requests a study into offering reduced in-state tuition at public colleges for dependents of Virginia public school teachers. The goal of this potential benefit is to help improve teacher retention rates across the Commonwealth.
HJ 9Virginiafailed
The Department of Elections will convene a work group to study the implementation of back-end, opt-out automatic voter registration in Virginia. This work group will assess the costs, benefits, and feasibility of such a system, with a report due by November 1, 2026, which could lead to significant changes in how citizens register to vote.
HB 319Virginiapassed
This bill would require K-6 special education classes to have a maximum age range of four years, unless an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team specifically determines and justifies an exception. This change aims to ensure students with disabilities are placed in more age-appropriate educational settings, potentially impacting school operations and IEP planning for affected students.
HB 461Virginiapassed
This bill requires the Virginia Attorney General to review and potentially revoke recognition of out-of-state concealed handgun permits if their issuing state's requirements are not substantially similar to Virginia's. This change aims to prevent individuals who would be denied a permit in Virginia from legally carrying a concealed handgun in the Commonwealth.
SB 115Virginiapassed
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.
HB 1081Virginiapassed
This resolution directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study options and provide recommendations to make higher education more affordable for students in Virginia. While not an immediate policy change, this study could lead to future legislative actions that reduce tuition costs or expand financial aid opportunities.
HJ 27Virginiain committee
This bill renames the New College Institute as the West Piedmont Higher Education Center and significantly expands and diversifies its board of directors to include representatives from K-12 education, other higher education institutions, and local businesses. The Center's board will also be required to develop a comprehensive sustainability plan to strengthen its higher education degree and certification programs, with a report due by August 1, 2027.
HB 430Virginiapassed
Virginia's two largest electric utilities will be required to propose pilot programs for solar energy, energy storage, and energy conservation specifically for low-income, elderly, and disabled customers. The State Corporation Commission will also evaluate and potentially mandate broader energy efficiency programs from these utilities, aiming to reduce overall energy consumption and promote cleaner sources.
SB 327Virginiapassed
Hospitals with emergency departments will face expanded operational requirements to collect and report more detailed data on threats and acts of violence against healthcare providers. This increased transparency aims to improve workplace safety for healthcare professionals by requiring the Department of Health to publish annual summaries of this data.
HB 1489Virginiapassed
Electoral board members in Virginia will be required to wear standardized identification badges issued by the Department of Elections while performing their duties on election day. Non-compliance could result in a civil penalty of up to $1,000 for the individual member.
HB 234Virginiapassed
This bill directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study artificial intelligence use policies at Virginia's colleges and universities. The study will evaluate current policies, develop a model policy for AI use in higher education, and recommend AI tools and curricula for a statewide resource clearinghouse for educators and students.
HJ 32Virginiapassed
This bill establishes a new process for the Board of Education and other state agencies to biennially review all career and technical education (CTE) courses and credentials offered to public school students. These reviews, starting in 2026, will ensure CTE programs align with current workforce demands and effectively prepare students for postsecondary success in employment, higher education, or military service.
HB 1158Virginiafailed
The bill streamlines election operations by removing a conflicting deadline for state election officials to collect primary election vote counts. It aligns the timeline for obtaining primary election results with the existing 10-day deadline for general elections, ensuring consistency in administrative procedures.
HB 1321Virginiapassed
Small businesses selling tobacco products will transition from the Department of Taxation's licensing to a new permitting system under the Virginia ABC Authority, potentially incurring new administrative costs and compliance requirements. The ABC Authority will also conduct unannounced buyer operations to enforce age restrictions, increasing the regulatory burden and risk of penalties for these retailers.
HB 308Virginiapassed
The Board of Education will develop new guidelines for water safety instruction to be included in elementary health education. This will ensure elementary students receive instruction on water safety as part of their health curriculum.
SB 151Virginiapassed
This bill extends the deadline for voters to submit absentee ballots, cure information for absentee ballots, and proof of identification for provisional ballots from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the third day after an election. This operational change, effective January 1, 2027, provides voters with additional time to ensure their votes are counted.
HB 82Virginiapassed
This bill establishes the Virginia Home Care Council within the Department of Medical Assistance Services to enable collective bargaining for individual home care providers. This change aims to improve the stability and working conditions of the home care workforce, potentially impacting the cost and availability of services for Medicaid recipients.
SB 378Virginiapassed
This bill expands the permitted uses for dealer's license plates, allowing automotive businesses to use them for delivering vehicle parts, small amounts of fuel, and for trips to automotive supply stores. This change provides greater operational flexibility and reduces potential compliance issues for small automotive dealerships and related businesses.
HB 608Virginiapassed
The Department of Education is directed to assess the impact of developing a program for certified outside agencies to provide student support services in public K-12 schools. This assessment will cover potential funding, privacy policies, and a certification process, with a report due by November 2026.
HB 178Virginiapassed
This bill provides courts with new operational options to order mental health treatment for individuals charged with misdemeanors who are found incompetent to stand trial, utilizing community services boards, behavioral health authorities, or designated hospitals. These options include outpatient or inpatient competency restoration treatment, evaluation for temporary detention, or dismissal of charges, aiming to address mental health needs within the justice system.
SB 528Virginiapassed
This bill allows candidates and elected officials to keep their home addresses confidential on public filings and voter registration lists, instead providing a unique identifier or a P.O. box. It also prohibits the State Board of Elections from requiring addresses on candidate petitions before filing and ensures new elected officials are informed about protected voter status.
HB 835Virginiapassed
Virginia short-term rental operators and their employees will be required to complete an approved human trafficking awareness training course by January 1, 2028, and every two years thereafter. This new operational requirement, effective July 1, 2027, aims to equip hosts with the knowledge to recognize and report suspected human trafficking.
SB 182Virginiafailed
Starting January 1, 2028, certain health insurance plans in Virginia will cap individual out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs at $150-$300 per 30-day supply, depending on the plan's coverage level. This change requires health insurance carriers to offer at least one plan at each bronze, silver, gold, and platinum level with these cost-sharing limits in the individual and small group markets.
HB 625Virginiapassed
This bill extends the timeframe for voters to correct errors on their absentee ballots and applications, potentially increasing the number of valid absentee votes counted. It removes a pre-election deadline for registrars to begin the cure process and moves the voter's deadline to fix errors to noon on the Monday after the election.
HB 773Virginiapassed
This bill would expand current restrictions by prohibiting the carrying of certain semi-automatic rifles, pistols, and shotguns, or any firearm modified to be an assault firearm, in all public areas. However, this specific bill has been incorporated into SB 727 and is no longer moving independently.
SB 312Virginiain committee
This bill changes operations for mental health facilities and schools by establishing new protocols for sharing information about students discharged from inpatient treatment. Mental health facilities will now disclose, with parental consent, if a student needs additional educational services, and must disclose if a student poses an immediate threat, to school mental health professionals.
SB 171Virginiapassed
This bill will prevent health insurance companies from charging higher premiums to tobacco users, potentially lowering costs for individuals and small groups who use tobacco. Starting January 1, 2027, health carriers will no longer be able to charge up to 1.5 times more for tobacco users.
SB 630Virginiapassed
Healthcare providers will be able to submit required documentation for health insurance claims, medical necessity, and prior authorizations electronically. This change aims to streamline administrative processes, potentially leading to faster claim processing and reduced operational costs for providers.
HB 676Virginiapassed
This bill directs the Board of Education to develop new ways for students to earn a Standard Diploma, specifically by creating alternative pathways that do not solely rely on passing Standards of Learning (SOL) assessments. These new options aim to expand opportunities for students to demonstrate competence and graduate, including through non-assessment methods and hands-on learning.
HB 1171Virginiaon the floor
Virginia health insurance plans in the individual and small group markets will be required to cap prescription drug cost-sharing payments, ranging from $150 to $300 per 30-day supply depending on the plan's coverage level. These caps will apply to certain bronze, silver, gold, and platinum plans offered by carriers starting January 1, 2028.
SB 161Virginiapassed
This bill changes primary election operations by extending the candidate filing deadline for non-incumbents by five days if an incumbent office holder fails to meet their initial deadline. This adjustment could potentially allow more candidates to qualify for primary ballots in certain circumstances, affecting the choices available to voters.
SB 126Virginiapassed
The bill modifies the training requirements for obtaining a concealed handgun permit, adding specific curriculum points like proper handgun storage techniques and state laws. It also removes the mandate for training to be conducted by the National Rifle Association or the United States Concealed Carry Association.
HB 916Virginiapassed
The State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance will undertake an operational evaluation of the All-Payer Claims Database to identify improvements in healthcare access, quality, and cost. This evaluation will produce findings and recommendations by December 2026 that could lead to future changes in how healthcare providers and insurers operate in Virginia.
HB 184Virginiapassed
This bill ensures all children in Virginia have a right to a free public education through secondary school, regardless of their or their parents' immigration status, and prohibits schools from denying benefits or participation based on this status. It requires school boards to implement policies and train staff on these non-discrimination rules and procedures for law enforcement entry, with a civil cause of action for violations.
HB 912Virginiain committee
Hospitals and freestanding birthing centers will be required to participate in a new state program to identify and review severe maternal health complications. This program mandates annual reporting of findings and recommendations to the Department of Health, aiming to improve maternal health outcomes.
HB 1403Virginiapassed