VirginiaHB12892026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Geology; added to definition of "professional services," continuing education.

Sponsored By: Bill Wiley (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Professions and occupations; regulation of geologists. Adds geology to the definition of "professional services" as used in the Virginia Public Procurement Act. The bill also eliminates the option for the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists to waive the examination requirement for licensure as a professional geologist for an applicant who has at least 12 years of geological work. The bill also requires the Board to promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for geologists licensed by the Board that require the completion of eight hours annually in continuing education for any license renewal or reinstatement. This bill is identical to SB 492.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Easier path to Virginia geology license

The Board of Geology can waive the licensure exam. You must apply in writing and meet the law’s other rules. You qualify if you have at least 12 years of geological work that includes the work listed in law, or you hold a current geology license from another U.S. state, territory, possession, or D.C.

Geology added to professional services list

Virginia adds geology to the list of professional services in public purchasing. Public agencies use the professional services rules when selecting and contracting for geology work. This can change how geology firms compete for government jobs, with more focus on qualifications.

Annual training rules for geologists

Licensed geologists must complete eight hours of continuing education each year before renewing or reinstating a license. Courses must relate to geology, have clear goals, and may include relevant business topics. Instructors must be qualified; self‑study must include a test. For credit, 50 minutes equals one hour; you cannot claim more than the sponsor lists, partial credit, or the same course twice in one period. You may carry up to eight extra hours to the next renewal. The Board can waive or cut hours for certified illness or undue hardship.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Bill Wiley

    Republican • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 216 • No: 3

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 38 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/20/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/18/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology

Yes: 13 • No: 0

House vote 2/9/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 95 • No: 3

House vote 2/3/2026

Reported from General Laws with substitute

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/29/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0462)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 462 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1289)

    2/25/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1289ER)

    2/25/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    2/25/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/25/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/25/2026House
  10. Passed Senate Block Vote (38-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/23/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/23/2026Senate
  12. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/20/2026Senate
  13. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/20/2026Senate
  14. Rules suspended

    2/20/2026Senate
  15. Reported from General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N)

    2/18/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

    2/10/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/10/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed House (95-Y 3-N 0-A)

    2/9/2026House
  19. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/6/2026House
  20. committee substitute agreed to

    2/6/2026House
  21. Read second time

    2/6/2026House
  22. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    2/6/2026House
  23. Read first time

    2/5/2026House
  24. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1289)

    2/4/2026House
  25. Committee substitute printed 26105942D-H1

    2/3/2026House

Bill Text

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