VirginiaHB542026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

State Government Internship Coordinator; DHRM to establish and employ.

Sponsored By: Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31 (Republican)

Became Law

Summary

Department of Human Resource Management; State Government Internship Coordinator. Requires the Department of Human Resource Management to establish and employ a State Government Internship Coordinator to attract high quality interns to the service of the Commonwealth with the goal of developing such interns in a manner that supports their ability to compete for positions in agencies of the Commonwealth upon conclusion of their internships and completion of their educational programs. The bill also requires the Department to establish and administer a system to provide professional development opportunities for state agency interns, intern supervisors, and human resources staff. This bill is identical to SB 286.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

Leave and nursing rules for state workers

You can cover FMLA time with paid leave if your agency head approves in writing. You may use up to 33% of your sick leave and up to 100% of other paid leave. If you are a full‑time reservist or Guard member, you can carry over all annual leave; extra leave above the usual cap is only for active service and is not paid out at job end. Nursing employees get reasonable break time and a private space that is not a bathroom to express milk; that time does not have to be paid.

State disability benefits and protections

The Board runs a program that provides sick leave, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability benefits. It can buy long‑term disability insurance only from insurers authorized in Virginia, and each policy must cap expense and risk charges at levels the Board sets for large‑employer rates. The Board may require reinsurance with a Virginia‑based insurer or choose to self‑insure long‑term disability under legal standards.

Awards for cost‑saving employee ideas

DHRM runs a central awards program for employee proposals that are adopted and save money or improve operations. Your identity is protected during review. You get a receipt within 30 days and a feasibility decision within 60 days. Accepted proposals and awards are made public.

Better hiring, records, and training for state jobs

DHRM maintains a central personnel system that lists each employee’s agency, job title, pay, and status. The standard state job application asks about volunteer work. DHRM also runs a statewide employee training and management development program.

DHRM runs workers’ comp for state employees

DHRM administers the workers’ compensation plan for state employees under state law. This sets who handles workplace injury claims. It does not change the benefit formulas.

More support for state internships

DHRM employs a State Government Internship Coordinator. The coordinator recruits interns for Commonwealth jobs and works with SCHEV and the economic development authority. DHRM also offers professional development for interns, supervisors, and HR staff to improve internship quality.

Internet use rules for state workers

State personnel policy must include an internet acceptable‑use rule. It bans using state computers to send, view, or download illegal material and allows strict discipline for violations. Agency heads may add extra rules.

Required diversity and safety training for state workers

The law requires two online trainings. If you start or restart a state job on or after January 1, 2021, you must finish diversity and cultural competency training within 90 days. All state employees must complete a safety and disaster awareness module every year. DHRM creates both modules and agencies must keep records of completion dates.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jen Kiggans - to resign 12/31

    Republican • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 320 • No: 3

House vote 3/3/2026

Senate amendments agreed to by House

Yes: 96 • No: 2

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Finance and Appropriations Amendments agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/25/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations with amendments

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/18/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 14 • No: 0

House vote 2/12/2026

Read third time and passed House Block Vote

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote 2/6/2026

Reported from Appropriations with amendment(s)

Yes: 22 • No: 0

House vote 2/4/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 6 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote 1/27/2026

Reported from General Laws and referred to Appropriations

Yes: 21 • No: 0

House vote 1/22/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 8 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0786)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 786 (effective 7/1/2026)

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

    3/14/2026Governor
  4. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 14, 2026

    3/14/2026House
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB54)

    3/10/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB54ER)

    3/10/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/10/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/10/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/10/2026House
  10. Senate amendments agreed to by House (96-Y 2-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026House
  11. Finance and Appropriations Amendments agreed to

    2/27/2026Senate
  12. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    2/27/2026Senate
  13. Read third time

    2/27/2026Senate
  14. Passed Senate with amendments (37-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/27/2026Senate
  15. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    2/26/2026Senate
  16. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  17. Rules suspended

    2/26/2026Senate
  18. Reported from Finance and Appropriations with amendments (15-Y 0-N)

    2/25/2026Senate
  19. Reported from General Laws and Technology and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)

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

    2/13/2026Senate
  21. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/13/2026Senate
  22. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB54)

    2/12/2026House
  23. Read third time and passed House Block Vote (98-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/12/2026House
  24. Engrossed by House as amended

    2/11/2026House
  25. committee amendments agreed to

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

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