VirginiaHB3732026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Restaurants; food allergy awareness notice required.

Sponsored By: Marty Martinez (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Restaurants; food allergy awareness notice required. Requires the State Health Commissioner to publish in multiple languages a notice on the Department of Health's website containing procedures for restaurant staff to follow when a customer has a food allergy. The bill requires restaurants to post such notice in a conspicuous location. The bill also requires restaurants to include the phrase, "If you have a food allergy, please notify us," and its translation, if applicable, on their menus or on a sign posted conspicuously in the restaurant. This bill is identical to SB 248.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

State posts food allergy notice

The Department of Health posts a standard food‑allergy notice on its website. It is in English and the Commonwealth’s top six non‑English languages, based on the latest U.S. Census data. It includes a translation of: "If you have a food allergy, please notify us." The notice explains what staff should do when told about an allergy, how to prevent cross‑contact, and when to call emergency medical services. Restaurants use this official, translated notice for training and compliance.

Restaurants must add allergy notices

Permitted restaurants must post the state’s food-allergy notice where staff can see it. Post it in at least one language each employee speaks, if that language is among the state’s translations. Menus must say: "If you have a food allergy, please notify us." Put it on each menu or a clear in‑store sign. If you offer menus in another supported language, include that translation. Online menus must show an allergy notice and let customers note allergies. Expect small printing, design, or website update costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marty Martinez

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 164 • No: 53

Senate vote 2/23/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 23 • No: 15

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 2/19/2026

Reported from Education and Health

Yes: 10 • No: 5

House vote 1/28/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 63 • No: 30

House vote 1/22/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services

Yes: 19 • No: 3

House vote 1/20/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 9 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0124)

    4/6/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 124 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/6/2026Governor
  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 (HB373)

    2/25/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB373ER)

    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 (23-Y 15-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 Education and Health (10-Y 5-N)

    2/19/2026Senate
  16. Referred to Committee on Education and Health

    1/29/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    1/29/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed House (63-Y 30-N 0-A)

    1/28/2026House
  19. Read second time and engrossed

    1/27/2026House
  20. Read first time

    1/26/2026House
  21. Reported from Health and Human Services (19-Y 3-N)

    1/22/2026House
  22. Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N)

    1/20/2026House
  23. Assigned sub: Health

    1/16/2026House
  24. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB373)

    1/14/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

    1/12/2026House

Bill Text

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