VirginiaSB4922026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Geology; added to definition of "professional services," continuing education.

Sponsored By: Stella G. Pekarsky (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Professions and occupations; regulation of geologists. Adds geology to the definition of "professional services" as used in the Virginia Public Procurement Act. The bill also eliminates the option for the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists to waive the examination requirement for licensure as a professional geologist for an applicant who has at least 12 years of geological work. The bill also requires the Board to promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for geologists licensed by the Board that require the completion of eight hours annually in continuing education for any license renewal or reinstatement. This bill is identical to HB 1289.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Experienced geologists can skip the exam

You can ask the Board in writing to waive the geology licensure exam. You must meet all other requirements and either show at least 12 years of qualifying geological work or hold an unexpired out-of-state geology license based on comparable rules. The Board reviews your documents and may approve or deny the waiver.

Geologists treated as professional services

The law adds geology to the state’s list of professional services. Public bodies can now buy geology work under professional services rules, like other design and consulting fields. This helps geology firms and contractors compete for those contracts.

New continuing education rules for geologists

Licensed geologists must complete eight hours of continuing education each year to renew or reinstate a license. The Board can waive or cut hours for certified illness or undue hardship. Courses must relate to geology, have clear goals, and provide proof of completion; self-study needs an assessment. Credit is 1 hour per 50 minutes, no partial or duplicate credit, and you cannot claim more than the sponsor lists. You can carry forward up to eight extra hours to the next renewal.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Stella G. Pekarsky

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 212 • No: 0

House vote 2/24/2026

Passed House Block Vote

Yes: 98 • No: 0

House vote 2/19/2026

Reported from General Laws

Yes: 21 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/27/2026

Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/26/2026

Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/23/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/23/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 1/21/2026

Reported from General Laws and Technology

Yes: 15 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0463)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 463 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

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

    3/10/2026Senate
  5. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB492)

    2/27/2026Senate
  6. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB492ER)

    2/26/2026Senate
  7. Enrolled

    2/26/2026Senate
  8. Signed by President

    2/26/2026Senate
  9. Signed by Speaker

    2/26/2026House
  10. Passed House Block Vote (98-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026House
  11. Read third time

    2/24/2026House
  12. Read second time

    2/23/2026House
  13. Reported from General Laws (21-Y 0-N)

    2/19/2026House
  14. Referred to Committee on General Laws

    2/3/2026House
  15. Read first time

    2/3/2026House
  16. Placed on Calendar

    2/3/2026House
  17. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB492)

    2/2/2026Senate
  18. Read third time and passed Senate Block Vote (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/27/2026Senate
  19. Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/26/2026Senate
  20. Engrossed by Senate

    1/26/2026Senate
  21. Read second time

    1/26/2026Senate
  22. Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

    1/23/2026Senate
  23. Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)

    1/23/2026Senate
  24. Passed by for the day

    1/23/2026Senate
  25. Rules suspended

    1/23/2026Senate

Bill Text

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