VirginiaHB6122026 Regular SessionHouse

Constitutional amendment; marriage between two adult persons, repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition.

Sponsored By: Laura Jane Cohen (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition. Provides for a referendum at the November 3, 2026, general election to approve or reject an amendment that requires the equal treatment under the law of a lawful marriage between two adult persons regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The amendment also repeals the current provision that defines marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. This bill is identical to SB 311.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Equal marriage rights for adults

Beginning January 1, 2027, if a majority of voters approve the amendment at the general election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026, Virginia recognizes marriages between two adult persons, regardless of sex, gender, or race. State and local officials cannot deny a marriage license because of sex, gender, or race. All lawful marriages between two adults get equal treatment under state and local law.

State bans marriage-like unions

Beginning January 1, 2027, if voters approve the amendment at the general election on the Tuesday after the first Monday in November 2026, Virginia bars any new legal status meant to copy marriage. State and local governments cannot create or recognize civil unions, partnerships, or other marriage-like statuses for unmarried people.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Laura Jane Cohen

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 114 • No: 59

Senate vote 2/2/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 24 • No: 16

Senate vote 1/30/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections

Yes: 8 • No: 5

House vote 1/29/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 66 • No: 32

House vote 1/23/2026

Reported from Privileges and Elections with substitute

Yes: 16 • No: 6

Actions Timeline

  1. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB612)

    2/11/2026House
  2. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0001)

    2/6/2026Governor
  3. Approved by Governor-Chapter 1 (effective July 1, 2026)

    2/6/2026Governor
  4. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB612ER)

    2/4/2026House
  5. Enrolled

    2/4/2026House
  6. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., February 11, 2026

    2/4/2026Governor
  7. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on February 04, 2026

    2/4/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    2/4/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/4/2026House
  10. Passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A)

    2/2/2026Senate
  11. Read third time

    2/2/2026Senate
  12. Reported from Privileges and Elections (8-Y 5-N)

    1/30/2026Senate
  13. Read second time

    1/30/2026Senate
  14. Read third time and passed House (66-Y 32-N 0-A)

    1/29/2026House
  15. Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

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

    1/29/2026Senate
  17. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    1/28/2026House
  18. committee substitute agreed to

    1/28/2026House
  19. Read second time

    1/28/2026House
  20. Read first time

    1/27/2026House
  21. Committee substitute printed 26105972D-H1

    1/23/2026House
  22. Reported from Privileges and Elections with substitute (16-Y 6-N)

    1/23/2026House
  23. House committee offered

    1/22/2026House
  24. House committee offered

    1/22/2026House
  25. Referred to Committee on Privileges and Elections

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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