VirginiaHB9422026 Regular SessionHouse

Custody and visitation of a child; possession or consumption of authorized substances.

Sponsored By: Nadarius E. Clark (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Custody and visitation; possession or consumption of authorized substances. Provides that no person shall be denied custody or visitation of a child, based only on the fact that the child's parent or other person responsible for his care, or the person petitioning for custody or visitation of the child, possessed or consumed legally authorized substances. The bill directs the Board of Social Services to amend its regulations, guidance documents, and other instructional materials to ensure that such regulations, documents, and materials comply with, and that investigations and family assessments are conducted by local departments of social services in accordance with, the provisions of the bill.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

More people can seek custody

Courts can award custody or visitation to anyone with a legitimate interest, including grandparents, stepparents, former stepparents, and other relatives. A parent whose rights were terminated may petition only if strict conditions are met: the child is at least 14, adoption was the prior goal, the adoptive parents have died or lost custody and parental rights, the child is in local social services custody, and the parent followed any post‑adoption agreement and kept a positive, continuous relationship.

Child support extended and disability support

If child support is ordered, it continues for a child over 18 who is a full‑time high‑school student, not self‑supporting, and living with the parent. It lasts until age 19 or high‑school graduation, whichever comes first. The court can also order support for an adult child with a severe, permanent disability that began before age 18 (or 19 under the student rule), if the child cannot live independently and lives with the parent. On request, the court may direct support payments to a special needs trust or an ABLE account.

Required parenting class with $50 cap

In contested custody, visitation, or support cases, you must attend a court‑approved parenting class. Attend within 12 months before court or within 45 days after the court orders it. The class lasts at least four hours and covers children’s needs, parenting duties, conflict resolution, and money responsibilities. Fees are based on ability to pay and are capped at $50 per person. Judges can excuse attendance for good cause or if no program is available. What you say in class is not allowed in court, except admissions of crimes or child abuse or neglect. Courts do not automatically require extra classes after you finish one; they may order more. When possible, finish the class before mediation.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Nadarius E. Clark

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 214 • No: 103

House vote 3/6/2026

Senate substitute agreed to by House

Yes: 62 • No: 34

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/4/2026

Passed Senate with substitute

Yes: 22 • No: 17

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 3/2/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute

Yes: 8 • No: 6 • Other: 1

House vote 2/10/2026

Read third time and passed House

Yes: 62 • No: 36

House vote 2/4/2026

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s)

Yes: 15 • No: 7

House vote 1/28/2026

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s)

Yes: 5 • No: 3

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0711)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 711 (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 (HB942)

    3/13/2026House
  6. Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB942ER)

    3/13/2026House
  7. Enrolled

    3/13/2026House
  8. Signed by President

    3/13/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/13/2026House
  10. Senate substitute agreed to by House (62-Y 34-N 0-A)

    3/6/2026House
  11. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB942)

    3/4/2026House
  12. Passed Senate with substitute (22-Y 17-N 0-A)

    3/4/2026Senate
  13. Courts of Justice Substitute agreed to

    3/4/2026Senate
  14. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

    3/4/2026Senate
  15. Read third time

    3/4/2026Senate
  16. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    3/3/2026Senate
  17. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  18. Committee substitute printed 26108970D-S1

    3/3/2026Senate
  19. Rules suspended

    3/3/2026Senate
  20. Reported from Courts of Justice with substitute (8-Y 6-N 1-A)

    3/2/2026Senate
  21. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB942)

    2/17/2026House
  22. Referred to Committee for Courts of Justice

    2/11/2026Senate
  23. Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)

    2/11/2026Senate
  24. Read third time and passed House (62-Y 36-N 0-A)

    2/10/2026House
  25. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB942)

    2/9/2026House

Bill Text

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