Data centers; policy of the Commonwealth.
Sponsored By: Shelly A. Simonds (Democratic)
In Committee
Summary
Policy of the Commonwealth; data centers. Provides that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to encourage the responsible operation of data centers in the Commonwealth while supporting grid reliability, affordability, and the deployment of renewable resources. The bill provides that in furtherance of this policy, the Commonwealth shall (i) promote coordination between data centers, state agencies, and regional grid operators to share information on energy usage, interconnection timelines, and barriers to rapid deployment of renewable and flexible energy resources; (ii) incentivize data centers to participate in demand response programs, implement energy storage and management systems, and leverage automated technologies to reduce peak demand and support grid stability; (iii) encourage flexible energy practices that allow data centers to adjust energy consumption in real time in alignment with available renewable generation; (iv) ensure large-scale data centers pay their fair share of infrastructure investments, mitigating impacts on residential and small business ratepayers; (v) require data centers to report water and aggregated energy usage, sustainability measures, and participation in grid support programs to appropriate state and federal agencies; and (vi) promote cybersecurity, physical security, and supply chain security measures to protect Virginia data center operations from foreign adversary access or compromise.
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Bill Overview
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Bill
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Shelly A. Simonds
Democratic • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Continued from last session
7/21/2026SenateContinued to 2027 in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)
3/9/2026SenateReported from Commerce and Labor and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (11-Y 4-N)
3/9/2026SenateReferred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
2/18/2026SenateConstitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
2/18/2026SenateFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB591)
2/17/2026HouseRead third time and passed House (62-Y 34-N 0-A)
2/17/2026HouseEngrossed by House as amended
2/16/2026Housecommittee amendments agreed to
2/16/2026HouseRead second time
2/16/2026HouseRead first time
2/15/2026HouseReported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (13-Y 7-N)
2/12/2026HouseHouse subcommittee offered
2/10/2026HouseSubcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 3-N)
2/10/2026HouseFiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB591)
2/3/2026HouseAssigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #3
1/20/2026HouseReferred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
1/13/2026HousePrefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26103960D
1/13/2026House
Bill Text
Engrossed
2/16/2026
Amendment
2/13/2026
Introduced
1/13/2026
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