VirginiaSB2862026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

State Government Internship Coordinator; Department of Human Resource Management to appoint.

Sponsored By: Lashrecse D. Aird (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Department of Human Resource Management; State Government Internship Coordinator. Requires the Department of Human Resource Management to establish and employ a State Government Internship Coordinator to attract high quality interns to the service of the Commonwealth with the goal of developing such interns in a manner that supports their ability to compete for positions in agencies of the Commonwealth upon conclusion of their internships and completion of their educational programs. The bill also requires the Department to establish and administer a system to provide professional development opportunities for state agency interns, intern supervisors, and human resources staff. This bill is identical to HB 54.

Your PRIA Score

Score Hidden

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to start

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

10 provisions identified: 7 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Centralized injury and disability benefits

The Department administers the workers’ compensation plan for state employees. A governing Board runs sick leave, short‑term disability, and long‑term disability benefits. The Board can buy long‑term disability insurance or self‑insure and may require reinsurance. Policies must use expense and risk charges in line with large employers.

Fairer reviews and discipline limits

The Department runs a statewide performance review system. Time on workers’ compensation leave still counts toward hours for performance‑based pay increases. Suspensions without pay cannot exceed 10 days unless a higher‑level hearing is held. The Department also runs a program to improve employee‑management communication.

More flexible FMLA and military leave

Full‑time state employees may use up to 33% of accrued sick leave and up to 100% of other paid leave for FMLA time, with written approval from the agency head. Reservists and National Guard members may carry forward all annual leave beyond normal caps. Extra carried‑forward leave is for active military service and is not paid out if unused at termination.

Faster staff augmentation contracts

The Department, with General Services and the state IT agency, develops expedited processes to buy staff augmentation, following state procurement law. The Department may also manage these statewide augmentation contracts. This speeds hiring help across agencies.

Cash awards for money-saving ideas

State employees can earn awards when their cost‑saving or improvement ideas are adopted and put in place. Your name stays private during review. You receive a receipt within 30 days and a feasibility decision within 60 days. Accepted ideas and awards are publicized, and a reevaluation process is available.

More state internships and fair hiring

The Department now employs a State Government Internship Coordinator to attract and place interns. The Coordinator works with Virginia’s higher education council and economic development authority to promote and track opportunities. The Department provides training for interns, supervisors, and HR staff. Hiring uses a merit‑based system with an open register, and applications include prior volunteer work.

More workforce data and transparency

The Department keeps a roster listing each employee’s agency, job title, pay, and status. Each year it publishes agency‑by‑agency employee counts, net changes, and a three‑year trend. By September 30 each year, it reports staffing and termination counts to the General Assembly.

Stricter internet use rules at work

State personnel policy includes an acceptable‑use rule for internet access. Employees may not use state equipment to send, receive, view, or download illegal material. Violations face strict discipline. Agency heads may add stricter rules.

Private space and breaks for nursing mothers

Agencies must provide reasonable break time for nursing mothers to express milk. They must also provide a private space that is not a bathroom. Breaks should line up with regular breaks when possible. The time may be unpaid.

Required diversity and safety training

The Department provides an online diversity and cultural competency module and a safety and disaster awareness module. Employees who start or restart on or after January 1, 2021 must finish the diversity module within 90 days. All state employees must complete the safety module every year. Agencies must keep records of completions and dates.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Lashrecse D. Aird

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 258 • No: 3

Senate vote 2/27/2026

Senate agreed to House substitute with amendments

Yes: 38 • No: 0

House vote 2/25/2026

Passed House with substitute with amendments

Yes: 90 • No: 3

House vote 2/20/2026

Reported from Appropriations with substitute

Yes: 22 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

General Laws and Technology Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/4/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/3/2026

Reported from Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 13 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/21/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0787)

    4/13/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 787 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/13/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB286)

    3/10/2026Senate
  4. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

    3/10/2026Governor
  5. Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026

    3/10/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB286ER)

    3/4/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    3/4/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    3/4/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    3/4/2026House
  10. Senate agreed to House substitute with amendments

    2/27/2026Senate
  11. Passed House with substitute with amendments (90-Y 3-N 0-A)

    2/25/2026House
  12. Engrossed by House - committee substitute as amended

    2/25/2026House
  13. Delegate Sullivan Floor amendments agreed to

    2/25/2026House
  14. committee substitute agreed to

    2/25/2026House
  15. Read third time

    2/25/2026House
  16. Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar

    2/25/2026House
  17. Floor Offered

    2/25/2026House
  18. Read second time

    2/24/2026House
  19. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB286)

    2/23/2026Senate
  20. Committee substitute printed 26108268D-H1

    2/20/2026House
  21. Reported from Appropriations with substitute (22-Y 0-N)

    2/20/2026House
  22. Referred to Committee on Appropriations

    2/12/2026House
  23. Read first time

    2/12/2026House
  24. Placed on Calendar

    2/12/2026House
  25. Assigned HAPP sub: Commerce Agriculture & Natural Resources

    2/11/2026House

Bill Text

Related Bills

Back to State Legislation