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VirginiaHB9322026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

General Assembly; recodification of Title 30, effective clause for certain enactments.

Sponsored By: Marcus B. Simon (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Revision of Title 30. Creates proposed Title 30.1 (General Assembly) as a revision of existing Title 30 (General Assembly). Proposed Title 30.1 consists of 16 chapters divided into three subtitles: Subtitle I (The General Assembly and Members Thereof), Subtitle II (The Legislative Branch of Government), and Subtitle III (Legislative Commissions, Councils, Committees, and Other Legislative Entities). The bill organizes the laws in a more logical manner, removes obsolete and duplicative provisions, and improves the structure and clarity of statutes. The provisions of the bill do not become effective unless reenacted by the 2027 Session of the General Assembly. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia Code Commission.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

85 provisions identified: 54 benefits, 7 costs, 24 mixed.

Legislative laws reorganized October 2026

Title 30 is repealed on October 1, 2026 and its laws move to new sections. References in law now point to the new sections with the same content. Existing agency regulations keep working unless they conflict with the new law. People now serving on boards keep their current terms; new appointments after October 1, 2026 follow the new rules. The law repeals §30-13 retroactive to July 1, 1971.

Tougher sentences must include funding

When a new law increases total prison or commitment time, the Sentencing Commission must issue a cost report. The state then makes a one-year general fund payment equal to the largest estimated annual operating cost from the next six years. The payment uses current dollars. Money for prison capital needs goes into a Corrections Special Reserve Fund. These rules tie tougher sentences to clear, up-front funding.

Brown v. Board scholarships and rules

The law creates the Brown v. Board Scholarship Program and a special fund to pay awards. Eligible students attended Virginia public schools between 1954 and 1964 in places that closed to avoid desegregation, or are their lineal or collateral descendants; the eligible student must be domiciled and living in Virginia. Awards can cover tuition, a book allowance, and fees for approved adult education, career training, and college degrees in Virginia. Schools must credit funds to student accounts and return any balance if a student withdraws. The Committee sets who gets awards, annual maximums, and the number of awards, and may require progress. Scholarships can be part‑time or full‑time; adult education awards are limited to one year, and other awards normally cover only the credits needed to finish. SCHEV advises the program, and the Treasurer pays scholarships from the fund at the Committee’s direction.

Chesapeake Bay tri-state commission

A 21-member Chesapeake Bay Commission is formed with seven members from Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. It adopts an annual budget. Costs are split equally among the three states unless all agree to a different split. Virginia’s Governor is authorized to sign and update the agreement.

Felony for tampering with bills

It is now a crime to erase, alter, hide, or destroy a bill, resolution, or amendment after it is introduced. It also bans trying to get a General Assembly officer or employee to do it. A conviction is punishable by one to five years in prison.

Fiscal notes for local budget impacts

Legislative Services flags bills that change local budgets. Those bills go to the Commission on Local Government for a fiscal estimate. State and local agencies must share information to build accurate estimates.

JLARC structure and voting safeguards

The law creates JLARC in the legislature to audit and study state programs. JLARC has 15 members, mostly legislators, plus the Auditor as a nonvoting member. A proposal cannot pass if a majority of House appointees or a majority of Senate appointees vote to block it.

Legislature can object to agency rules

JCAR reviews proposed and existing regulations to see if they follow the law and legislative intent. It can file formal objections and ask the Governor to suspend a rule’s effective date. If rules burden businesses, JCAR reports every quarter and can recommend legislation.

Online database of Virginia spending

The Auditor keeps a public website with 10 years of state data. It shows vendor payments, spending by category, revenues, and employee pay over $10,000. It also includes key measures like school enrollment and prison population. The site updates each year by October 15.

Stronger state spending watchdog and reports

JLARC serves as the legislature’s spending watchdog. It reviews agency performance, follows up every two years, and issues an annual state spending report by November 30. JLARC can review executive orders for fiscal impact when a committee chair asks. It may hire U.S. consultants on fixed-price contracts and form advisory committees. Agencies must give JLARC spending records, and courts must provide electronic case data. JLARC may publish only summaries and no names or identifying details; transferred court data are not open under FOIA. JLARC reports go to lawmakers and the Governor. The Director and executive staff serve six-year terms with General Assembly confirmation. Members receive compensation, the state provides office space, and costs are paid from JLARC’s appropriation.

Commission on Women’s Health created

A Commission on Women’s Health studies maternal, mental, and reproductive health and social factors that affect care. It can recommend changes to laws, rules, and the budget. The commission has 15 members, including citizen members with women’s or maternal health expertise.

Commission to plan ending hunger

A Commission to End Hunger develops a two‑year action plan and tracks progress. It works to boost student access to school meals and remove barriers to food access. It identifies funding sources and promotes public‑private partnerships. The Commission ends on July 1, 2027.

New commission to strengthen civic education

The law creates a 17‑member Commission to improve civic education and coordination across schools and groups. It will build a public online clearinghouse with lesson resources, a bulletin board, an events calendar, and research links on the Education Department’s site. A special fund can receive gifts and donations to support this work.

Study and plans for school buildings

The law creates a commission to assess K–12 school facilities, funding needs, and cost‑saving best practices. It advises the Governor and General Assembly and reports its findings. The commission and its duties end July 1, 2026.

Crime Commission staff secrecy rules

Employees of the Virginia State Crime Commission may not disclose witness names or private hearing information. Disclosure is allowed only if directed by the Governor, a court of record, or the Commission. A violation is a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Strict map deadlines and court backup

The Commission must send state maps within 45 days and U.S. House maps within 60 days or by July 1. Plans need supermajority votes from both legislator and citizen members. The General Assembly must vote within 15 days, with a seven-day window on a second plan. If deadlines are missed, the Supreme Court sets the maps using special masters and public input. Redistricting bills cannot be amended and take effect immediately once both houses approve.

Stronger state audits and fraud checks

The Auditor of Public Accounts must audit state agencies, can inspect records without notice, and can swear in witnesses; lying under oath is perjury. Agency heads and local officials must promptly report suspected fraud involving state funds; willful failure to report is a Class 3 misdemeanor. The Auditor reviews retail sales and use tax collection and local distributions and reports findings to finance leaders. Every city and county handling state funds is audited at least every two years and must reimburse 50% of each audit’s cost. Unelected authorities with over $25,000 in yearly transactions must file annual audits on a set timeline; smaller ones file a sworn statement. The Auditor issues an annual activities report and a November 1 audit summary, and JLARC can temporarily assume Auditor duties by a three-fifths vote if the Auditor cannot or will not act.

Regular reviews and sunsets for tax breaks

The law creates a Joint Subcommittee to review state tax breaks. It reviews credits, deductions, exemptions, and exclusions, and can order independent studies by the Department of Taxation. Any new or renewed state tax credit must end within five years unless lawmakers act again. These rules put tax breaks on a set review cycle and can lead to changes or expirations.

Required harassment training for lawmakers and staff

All members and legislative employees must complete sexual harassment training every two years. New members and new hires have 90 days after election or start to finish; no one must take it more than once in 12 months. The House and Senate Clerks provide a 24/7 online course like the state’s DHRM course. You can print a certificate, and the Clerks keep records for at least five years for public inspection.

Pay and tax rules for legislators

Each General Assembly member gets a yearly salary, session allowances, travel reimbursement, and an office expense allowance set in the state budget. These payments are subject to tax withholding. A member using a federal “accountable plan” can avoid withholding on reimbursements. Mileage uses the state rate or actual costs for official travel.

Agencies must help and report yearly

When legislative groups need information, agencies must name a contact and cooperate. Employees must help, while keeping information that the law bars from release. Each legislative entity chair sends an executive summary of work by December 1 each year. Required study reports are also due by December 1 unless another date is set.

American Revolution 250th planning commission

A commission will plan and market the 250th anniversary, with programs in 2025–2026. It can hire staff as funds allow and use a dedicated state fund for donations and appropriations. It may not sign contracts that last past July 1, 2032, when the commission ends.

Better redistricting data and maps

Legislative Services staffs the Reapportionment and Redistricting bodies and serves as the Census liaison on map data. Cities and counties must send boundary ordinances and GIS files when they change districts or precincts. The state keeps the Commission’s maps current using those submissions.

Code Commission publishes Virginia law

A 13‑member Virginia Code Commission oversees publication of the Code of Virginia, the Administrative Code, and the Register. The law sets who serves, how they are appointed, and terms. Members are paid and reimbursed under existing statutes, using the Commission’s current appropriations.

Commission reviews lawmaker pay regularly

A nine‑member commission reviews legislative salaries, allowances, and retirement every four years in a governor’s election year. It reports findings and recommendations by October 1 of the year after that election. Any adopted budget changes take effect January 1 after the next general election.

Commission to honor Dr. King’s legacy

The law creates the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Commission. It runs education and public events, supports scholarship, and can establish a memorial. It meets no more than four times a year and can seek and use gifts and grants. A dedicated nonreverting fund holds donations, and the Treasurer pays out with commission approval. Legislative offices provide needed administrative and legal support.

Commissioners to promote uniform state laws

The Governor appoints three Commissioners to promote uniform state laws. Each serves a four-year term starting October 1. They receive no salary, but approved travel and hotel costs are reimbursed. The Commissioners study topics, represent Virginia at drafting meetings, and recommend actions. They must send a detailed report to the General Assembly by December 1 each year. The Division of Legislative Services provides staff support.

Committee manages census counts for maps

A Joint Reapportionment Committee oversees population tabulation for redistricting. It makes sure precinct data arrive on time and manages related tasks. Member pay and expenses come from the House and Senate clerks’ offices.

Energy commission to study coal, renewables

The law creates the Virginia Coal and Energy Commission. It studies coal and promotes renewable and alternative energy (not petroleum). It advises the Governor and General Assembly on energy policy.

Faster, cleaner updates to Virginia law

The Commission publishes the Code of Virginia, the Administrative Code, and the Register, under state or private printing it controls. The Commonwealth owns official code content; authors keep rights to what they add. New laws are added right after each session, usually before they take effect. The Commission can fix typos, renumber sections, and correct cross-references. It reviews and recommends repeal of obsolete or unfunded laws. The Code will include State Bar ethics opinions and all interstate compacts each year, with copies sent by July 1. A majority makes a quorum, and the Commission can hire staff and gets help from the Division of Legislative Services.

Freedom of Information help and training

A FOIA Advisory Council gives advisory opinions, offers training, and posts educational materials. It also provides an online public comment form. Legislative Services supplies staff support.

Intergovernmental cooperation commission and roles

The law creates a 14‑member Commission on Intergovernmental Cooperation with two nonvoting clerk members. Chairs and vice‑chairs serve two‑year terms and alternate between House and Senate leaders. The Commission can arrange interstate meetings, join the Council of State Governments, monitor compacts, recommend uniform laws, appoint legislative representatives, and require reports.

Legislative drafting help and privacy

Legislative Services is led by a confirmed Director who is an experienced Virginia lawyer. The office researches law and drafts bills for lawmakers, the Governor, and agency heads. Draft requests stay confidential and are kept as permanent records; limited internal sharing is allowed to do the work. Staff get full access to state law libraries and can get photocopies at actual cost.

Legislature’s regular and special session rules

The General Assembly meets each year starting the second Wednesday in January, usually at the Capitol in Richmond. If two‑thirds of members in each house apply, the Governor must promptly call a special session at the requested time and place, or set one if none is named.

Manufacturing commission with $12,000 cost cap

A Manufacturing Development Commission will study manufacturing needs and recommend fixes. The law caps the commission’s annual costs at $12,000.

More legislative oversight of agency rules

The law creates a Joint Commission to review agency rules, both new and existing. It checks that rules match the law and notes effects on jobs, the economy, and natural resources. The panel has seven House members and five Senators; six members make a quorum. Members get pay and expense reimbursement from existing funds. The Division of Legislative Services gives staff help, and agencies must cooperate. An Administrative Law Advisory Committee of up to 12 members also helps agencies and submits a yearly work plan and budget.

New boards must sunset in three years

Any bill creating a new advisory board or commission must include an end date three years after creation. This sets a standard review cycle for new bodies.

New Virginia–Israel trade advisory board

The law creates the Virginia–Israel Advisory Board to advise on trade, culture, and education links. The Board has 31 members, including 29 citizen members who serve four‑year terms. Members are unpaid but can be reimbursed for expenses. The Joint Rules Committee appoints an executive director. The Board operates with funds the General Assembly appropriates.

Open maps: hearings and data online

The Commission must use Census data adjusted by Legislative Services. It must hold at least three public hearings before proposing or voting on any map. A public website takes comments and posts proposed plans. All data used to draw maps must be posted within three days. Official shapefiles on the site control district boundaries.

Oversight for Chesapeake Bay restoration funds

A committee now sets goals and yearly spending plans for the Chesapeake Bay Restoration Fund. The plan is due to the Governor and General Assembly by November 15 each year. Fund money cannot replace current general fund spending, except for a specific exception in law.

Plain-English info on ballot measures

Voters get neutral, plain-English explanations for constitutional amendments and statewide referenda. The Department of Elections must post them online and send them to registrars at least 90 days before the vote. Explanations are capped at 500 words and include the ballot question and full text. Bond referenda must also include a fiscal statement on why the bonds are needed and how the money will be used. The law also requires paid notices before the registration deadline and before the election.

Racial impact reviews for justice bills

Committee chairs can ask JLARC for racial and ethnic impact statements on criminal justice bills. Each chair may request up to three per regular session. State agencies must give JLARC the data it needs.

Regular checks on business incentives

JLARC reviews grants and tax preferences used for economic development. It reports on spending and performance and does at least a biennial review of total costs and benefits to Virginia. JLARC also examines how incentive programs are designed and overseen.

Session-time legal protections for lawmakers

Members are protected from custody and being compelled as witnesses during session and for five days before and after. They still may be arrested and prosecuted at any time for alleged crimes. Members and former members are immune from arrest or jail for words spoken or written in either house. Civil cases can start but cannot be tried during session without the member’s consent, and from 15 days before to 15 days after, members cannot be forced to appear or file. Any party who is a member (or whose lawyer is a member) gets a continuance as of right from 30 days before to 30 days after a regular session; related filing deadlines move accordingly.

Stronger oversight of state retirement system

JLARC reviews how the Virginia Retirement System is run, invested, and funded. It can get VRS records, talk to staff and consultants, and attend public and closed meetings. JLARC can hire investment and actuarial experts to help. Agencies must cooperate. Confidential records JLARC receives stay confidential under public records law.

Temporary commission to update tribal law

A temporary commission will review Virginia law to reflect government‑to‑government relations with federally recognized Tribal Nations. This commission ends on July 1, 2026.

Tighter oversight of the state pension

The General Assembly names JLARC as the ongoing overseer of the Virginia Retirement System. JLARC reviews VRS and prepares studies or reports when lawmakers request them. This adds regular scrutiny to help protect pension funding and transparency for public employees and retirees.

Tighter review of state IT operations

JLARC now reviews the state IT agency (VITA) on an ongoing basis. Reviews cover infrastructure services, outsourcing contracts, security, project oversight, and procurement. JLARC has legal access to VITA records, facilities, and staff to do this work.

Virginia State Crime Commission created

A legislative Crime Commission studies public safety and criminal justice. It can hold hearings and make recommendations. When it finds reasonable cause of criminal conduct or misconduct, it can refer matters to investigators, prosecutors, or seek a special grand jury.

Electric utility oversight and rate checks

A commission monitors Virginia’s electric utility regulation and gets annual reports from the State Corporation Commission. It can prepare neutral ratepayer impact statements on proposed bills when asked. Each specified committee chair may request up to five statements per session. The commission ends on July 1, 2029. Agencies must provide data when requested.

State Water Commission studies supply

A State Water Commission studies water supply and allocation issues and coordinates legislative recommendations on water policy.

Transportation spending accountability commission

A Joint Commission on Transportation Accountability reviews how transportation programs perform and how funds are used. It can retain consultants, review Commonwealth Transportation Board actions, and recommend changes. It is exempt from the reporting rule in §30.1‑1107.

Autism advisory council to coordinate

An Autism Advisory Council promotes coordination among state agencies and raises awareness. It aims to improve services for people with autism and their caregivers. The Council ends on July 1, 2027.

Disability commission to guide services

The Virginia Disability Commission identifies priorities for services and funding for people with disabilities. It can convene work groups and must submit an annual report by October 1.

New Behavioral Health oversight commission

A Behavioral Health Commission now oversees services and advises state leaders. It has 12 legislative members and can collect data, form work groups, and seek input from families and service recipients. It may hire staff and experts within the funds the General Assembly provides.

Reviews of school health service proposals

A School Health Services Committee reviews proposals that would require school boards to offer certain health services. It advises lawmakers and officials and sunsets on July 1, 2028.

Auditor checks college finances and fixes

After each public college’s annual audit, the Auditor must certify in writing whether the school meets financial and management standards. If a school must carry out a corrective action plan, the Auditor must also report on progress.

Reviews before new job licensing rules

When a bill would start or increase regulation of an occupation, the committee chair must request an evaluation from the Board for Professional and Occupational Regulation. For regular sessions, requests are due by November 1, and the Board sends the review to the clerks.

Stronger oversight of unemployment benefits and costs

A legislative commission monitors Virginia’s unemployment system and the Unemployment Trust Fund each year. For any bill that boosts unemployment benefits, the Employment Commission must project eight‑year effects on trust‑fund solvency and average per‑employee employer tax costs, and include that statement in the bill. An advisory committee supports the oversight at least every five years.

New commissions to help small businesses

The law creates two advisory groups in the legislature. The Small Business Commission studies issues and reviews help programs for small firms. The Virginia Minority Business Commission reviews policies to grow minority-owned businesses and makes recommendations. The minority commission ends on July 1, 2028, unless renewed. These bodies advise lawmakers; they do not award grants or tax breaks.

New limits on legislative boards

For new legislative bodies created on or after October 1, 2026, legislative members must outnumber citizen and voting ex officio members. A majority of House appointees or Senate appointees can block a recommendation. Citizen travel is reimbursed only for in-state trips unless approved in writing. New appointments after that date must be made by legislative leaders, and citizen members may be removed at any time. Missing three straight regular meetings can lead to a vacancy unless due to sickness.

No guaranteed right to scholarships

The law states there is no legal entitlement to take part in the scholarship program or to receive an award. You cannot force the program to grant a scholarship in court.

Penalties for using Senate emblem

Only current or former Senators and the Clerk may use the official Senate emblem. Unauthorized use is a Class 3 misdemeanor. Former members must use blue representations or face a Class 4 misdemeanor. Any commercial use by anyone is a Class 4 misdemeanor.

Redistricting talks must be public

Commissioners, staff, and advisors may discuss redistricting only during public meetings or hearings. Written public comments sent to the Commission are allowed and are not a violation.

Tighter gift and contract rules

Lawmakers, candidates, and their immediate family cannot take a single gift over $100 or more than $100 total in a year from a registered lobbyist or lobbyist’s principal. Gifts under $20 do not count toward the $100 total. The $100 limit is adjusted for inflation every five years, and limited exceptions apply. Legislators cannot have a personal interest in legislative contracts, and with other government bodies only if the contract was competitively awarded or otherwise exempt by law.

Disability Commission ends without funding

The Virginia Disability Commission only continues if it gets a separate budget line. If it does not get that funding, it ends on July 1 of that fiscal year. This can reduce coordinated work on disability policy and services.

Capitol Police powers and unclaimed items

Capitol Police can act as local law enforcement within Capitol Square and on assigned Commonwealth property, plus 300 feet beyond, with shared jurisdiction. Detector canine teams can assist localities. Unclaimed firearms and other weapons may be destroyed after 120 days if not needed for prosecution and after mailed notice and a written clearance from the Commonwealth’s Attorney. Certain unclaimed vehicles follow state towing rules, and unclaimed firearms may be donated to the Department of Forensic Science by agreement.

Faster lawmaking and better public records

The House Clerk is the Keeper of the Rolls and may fix typos that do not change meaning. Clerks must move records to secure electronic files and send originals to the Library of Virginia after the next session. You can request certified copies of acts for a reasonable fee. Members may prefile bills starting the third Monday in July (odd‑year sessions) or November (even‑year sessions). The Division of Legislative Services staffs boards and hires an executive director, and a code work group must finish by September 1, 2026.

Legislature operations and staff pay rules

The House and Senate Clerks hire staff, run building operations, and can sign agreements with agencies or vendors. Governor’s executive orders on purchasing, finance, and IT do not apply unless both Clerks agree. The General Assembly funds secretaries and assistants as set in the budget, but pay cannot be used for political work. Session per diem matches members’. Immediate family of a legislator cannot receive these payments. Legislative officers and employees, and the Lieutenant Governor, have the same legal privileges as members, including certain protections from arrest and court continuances.

More privacy for business records

Businesses can ask the state to keep some records confidential. VITA may withhold trade secrets and financial data when a company makes a written request and VITA approves it. JLARC can keep marked economic development records confidential. Protected public‑private partnership records stay confidential when sent to the oversight commission. Contractors can shield trade secrets in bids for commission publications if they invoke protections; discussions may occur in closed session. Certain procurement, financing, and performance data cannot be withheld.

New ethics panels and training for lawmakers

Five‑member Senate and House ethics panels review sworn complaints and can hold public hearings. Panels can issue subpoenas, ask a Richmond court to enforce them, and must decide cases within 120 days. Early investigation records stay confidential for five years, and no complaints are accepted within 60 days before an election for that member. The Council runs ethics orientation before each even‑year session and within three months after a special election. New and returning members must attend and disclose attendance.

New limits and sunsets for commissions

House members can serve up to four straight two‑year terms on a legislative body; Senators up to two straight four‑year terms; citizen members up to four straight two‑year terms. Filling a partial term does not count toward limits. A legislative entity that lacks a separate appropriation in its second year ends on July 1 of that fiscal year. The American Revolution 250 Commission ends on July 1, 2032.

Pay, travel, and limits for lawmakers

Before each regular session, members may attend state‑paid inspections or orientations, with travel, meals, and lodging covered. Members, officers, and employees get mileage reimbursement at the state rate for official travel. Service on legislative entities earns compensation under law, but not on days when the member’s house is in active or pro forma session. Full‑time public employees cannot receive this extra pay, and no one can receive more than one day’s pay for the same day. General compensation and expense reimbursements are paid under set rules from existing budgets or with approval when unfunded.

Stronger review of public-private projects

A new oversight commission reviews qualifying public‑private education and infrastructure proposals. It must accept or decline review in 10 days and, if accepted, issue findings within 45 days. Agencies cannot start talks on deals until the commission gives recommendations or declines review, and final drafts must be submitted 30 days before signing. Projects under set cost thresholds are exempt. If the commission issues no findings in 45 days, it is treated as having none.

Tighter ethics and disclosure rules for lawmakers

The law tightens conflict rules and sets clear money tests for a “personal interest” (over 3% ownership or more than $5,000 in income, pay, or property). Members with a personal interest must disclose it and may speak, but cannot vote. Some small contracts up to $500 are exempt; special rules apply if a member earns over $5,000 from the firm. Gift violations can be cured by returning it, donating equal value without a tax write‑off, or paying it down to $100. Disclosures are due Feb 1 (gift reports May 1) and are public for five years. Late filing is $250; false statements are a Class 5 felony. Any gain is forfeited, and knowing violations can also be fined and charged as a Class 1 misdemeanor.

Tougher ethics enforcement for lawmakers

The Attorney General enforces these rules and assigns an independent local prosecutor for knowing violations. A criminal case must start within one year after the AG learns of it or within five years of the act, whichever comes first. Cases are filed where the legislator lives (or lived at the time). Courts can enforce habeas corpus writs even when a legislator is named.

Who serves on Redistricting Commission

A 16-member Redistricting Commission meets every 10 years. It has eight legislators and eight citizen members, and a citizen chairs it. Retired judges pick the citizen members through a set timeline. Citizen applicants must be Virginia voters for three years, have recent voting history, and avoid recent partisan or lobbying ties. Some people are barred from serving, like recent lobbyists, certain relatives, and campaign staff.

Ethics e-filing and travel approvals

All disclosure and lobbyist forms must be filed electronically, with free software and a public, searchable database. The Council reviews forms, publishes formal opinions, and may give confidential informal advice. Travel or travel-related gifts over $100 need Council approval within five business days or they are deemed approved; approved travel cannot later lead to prosecution or discipline. Filers can get extensions for good cause. If a form was not available until after the deadline, the filer gets five extra days and the responsible agency head or clerk is fined $250; if provided within three days of the deadline, the filer gets three extra days and no fine.

Legislative info system and access fees

A legislative IT division runs the online system for bills, the Code, and rules. It may charge per-inquiry fees; out-of-state users pay double, and resales need approval plus a 25% add‑on fee. Printed materials can be sold at cost, and Acts of Assembly must be sent to requesting members within 45 days after adjournment. Reports to the General Assembly must include an executive summary and are posted online for the public.

More oversight of Savers Plan

JLARC now oversees and evaluates the Commonwealth Savers Plan on an ongoing basis. It can access the Plan’s records and facilities and reviews governance, investments, actuarial policy, and administration. The Plan must submit annual investment and actuarial reports, and JLARC will publish regular reviews. The Plan must pay JLARC’s reasonable oversight costs; JLARC sends a yearly cost estimate by September 30.

Stronger oversight of state pensions

The Virginia Retirement System must send JLARC semiannual investment reports and a biennial actuarial soundness report. The Auditor files an annual financial audit by the first day of session. For any bill affecting VRS, the Board must provide statements on fiscal and policy impacts. JLARC’s oversight costs are paid by VRS trust funds in proportion to each fund’s assets; JLARC sends a cost estimate by September 30 each year.

Five-year review of insurance benefits

The Health Insurance Reform Commission reviews the essential health benefits plan in 2025 and every five years. A work group sends findings by March 31. By June 30 the Commission decides if it will apply to change the benchmark. An actuarial analysis is due by September 30. By December 31 the Commission selects changes. At least two public hearings occur before June 30, and two more if an application will be made.

One athletics commission skips a report

The law exempts the Intercollegiate Athletics Review Commission from one reporting rule. This cuts paperwork but may reduce public updates. All other duties for the commission remain.

Review of big college sports changes

A legislative commission reviews public colleges’ plans to add major sports or change division level and issues findings to the board. It must respond within two business days for division changes and within 45 business days for adding major programs. Findings need specific yes‑votes from House Appropriations and Senate Finance members on the commission. Staff support comes from the House and Senate appropriations staffs, with help from the higher‑education council when asked.

Tougher review of big incentive deals

The law creates a commission to review big incentive deals. It must review packages with cash payments over $3.5 million before metrics are met, or total incentives over $10 million, not counting nondiscretionary items. Sponsors must send materials five business days before meetings, and votes need four of seven House and three of five Senate members. The Commission may take up to seven days after a presentation to decide. JLARC can see VEDP incentive records, even if confidential, and agencies must cooperate. The Tax Commissioner may share tax data with JLARC unless barred by federal law, an agreement, or a court order. NDAs made on or after July 1, 2016 must allow JLARC access.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Marcus B. Simon

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 278 • No: 217

House vote • 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 61 • No: 36

Senate vote • 3/14/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 21 • No: 18

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Passed Senate with amendments

Yes: 21 • No: 19

Senate vote • 3/12/2026

Senate insisted on amendments

Yes: 39 • No: 1

House vote • 3/12/2026

Senate amendments rejected by House

Yes: 0 • No: 96

Senate vote • 3/11/2026

Finance and Appropriations Amendments agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/10/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 37 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations with amendments

Yes: 10 • No: 4

Senate vote • 2/27/2026

Reported from Rules and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 9 • No: 4 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 63 • No: 35

House vote • 2/6/2026

Reported from Rules with amendment(s)

Yes: 12 • No: 4

House vote • 2/2/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting

Yes: 5 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0972)

    4/13/2026Governor

  2. Assigned Chapter 972 (Effective - see bill)

    4/13/2026Governor

  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB932)

    4/6/2026House

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

    3/31/2026Governor

  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026

    3/31/2026House

  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House

  7. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB932ER)

    3/30/2026House

  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026House

  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate

  10. Conference report agreed to by Senate (21-Y 18-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026Senate

  11. Conference report agreed to by House (61-Y 36-N 0-A)

    3/14/2026House

  12. Conference Report released

    3/14/2026

  13. House Conferees: Simon, Callsen, Kilgore

    3/12/2026House

  14. Conferees appointed by House

    3/12/2026House

  15. House acceded to request

    3/12/2026House

  16. Senate insisted on amendments (39-Y 1-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026Senate

  17. Senate amendments rejected by House (0-Y 96-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026House

  18. Passed Senate with amendments (21-Y 19-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026Senate

  19. Conferees appointed by Senate

    3/12/2026Senate

  20. Senate Conferees: Deeds, Surovell, McDougle

    3/12/2026Senate

  21. Finance and Appropriations Amendments agreed to

    3/11/2026Senate

  22. Passed by for the day

    3/11/2026Senate

  23. Engrossed by Senate as amended

    3/11/2026Senate

  24. Read third time

    3/11/2026Senate

  25. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/10/2026Senate

Bill Text

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