# Virginia SB1459: Emergency services and disaster law; prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency.

Virginia SB1459, Emergency services and disaster law; prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency., is a 2025 Regular Session Senate bill sponsored by Russet Perry (Democratic); status failed, last action 2025-01-29 (Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (15-Y 0-N)) (as of 2026-10-17).

- Canonical: https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1459-2025
- As of: 2026-10-17
- Plain-text twin of the page above; the HTML and this file carry the same facts.

## Facts
- Bill: Virginia SB1459
- State: Virginia
- Session: 2025 Regular Session
- Title: Emergency services and disaster law; prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency.
- Status: failed
- Chamber: Senate
- Introduced: 2025-01-17
- Last action: 2025-01-29, Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (15-Y 0-N)
- Sponsor: Russet Perry (Democratic)
- Cosponsors: 0
- Subjects: General Laws and Technology
- Touches household money: no
- Roll calls: 1 (15 yes, 0 no in all)
- Economic provisions PRIA read: 0

## Summary

Emergency services and disaster law; prohibition on media paywalls during states of emergency. Provides that in any case in which the Governor declares a state of emergency, no digital media outlet operating in the Commonwealth shall operate behind a paywall or collect personal information from users who seek access to digital media regarding the subject matter of any declared state of emergency while such state of emergency is in effect.

## Bill overview

No economic impacts identified for this bill.

## Sponsors and cosponsors

- Sponsor: Russet Perry (Democratic), Senate

## Roll call votes

| Date | Chamber | Motion | Result | Yes | No | Other |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 2025-01-29 | Senate | Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology | pass | 15 | 0 |   |

## Actions (3)

- 2025-01-29: Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (15-Y 0-N) (Senate)
- 2025-01-17: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology (Senate)
- 2025-01-17: Presented and ordered printed 25104223D (Senate)

## Bill text

- Introduced, 2025-01-17: [HTML](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023152.HTML), [PDF](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023151.PDF)

## Related bills

- HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care. (adopted)
- SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty. (failed)
- HB1746: Public safety officer; definition. (failed)
- HB1600: Budget Bill. (failed)
- SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility. (failed)
- HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for infertility treatment. (to governor)

## Sources
- [Introduced (HTML)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023152.HTML)
- [Introduced (PDF)](https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1023151.PDF)

## Related
- [HR671: Commending JR's Auto Care.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HR671-2025)
- [SB941: Robbery; use of air or gas operated weapon, etc., penalty.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB941-2025)
- [HB1746: Public safety officer; definition.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1746-2025)
- [HB1600: Budget Bill.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1600-2025)
- [SB1449: Data centers; site assessment for high energy use facility.](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1449-2025)
- [HB1609: Essential health benefits benchmark plan; Commission to consider coverage for i…](https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-HB1609-2025)
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- [Virginia state hub](https://policyrisk.com/states/virginia)
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Source: PRIA, https://policyrisk.com/state-bill/VA-SB1459-2025 (as of 2026-10-17).