VirginiaSB5962026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Contraception; definitions, establishes right to obtain, applicability, enforcement.

Sponsored By: Jennifer D. Carroll Foy (Democratic)

Became Law

Summary

Contraception; right to contraception; applicability; enforcement. Establishes a right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, as such terms are defined in the bill. The bill clarifies that none of its provisions shall be construed to permit or sanction the performance of any sterilization procedure without a patient's voluntary and informed consent. The bill creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such right. This bill is identical to HB 6.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Right to contraception, no government limits

You have the right to get and use contraceptives in Virginia. Licensed providers can give contraceptives and information within their professional scope. State or local rules cannot block, delay, or make it harder to get contraception or help others get it. In court, defenders of such rules must prove with clear and convincing evidence that the rule greatly improves safety with no less‑restrictive option, or treats contraception the same as similar products. You can raise this chapter as a defense if someone tries to enforce a conflicting rule.

You and the state can enforce access

The Virginia Attorney General can sue people or entities that enforce rules that break this chapter. Anyone harmed can bring a civil suit. Health care providers can sue for themselves, their staff, and their patients. If a court finds a violation, it sets the rule aside and can issue temporary or permanent orders to stop it.

What contraception means and consent rules

The law defines contraception and contraceptives. It includes pills, IUDs, implants, condoms, patches, rings, shots, barrier methods, and emergency contraception. Products must be legally marketed under federal law. Sterilization cannot be done without the patient’s voluntary, informed consent.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jennifer D. Carroll Foy

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 344 • No: 163

Senate vote 3/13/2026

Conference report agreed to by Senate

Yes: 24 • No: 15

House vote 3/12/2026

Conference report agreed to by House

Yes: 64 • No: 32

Senate vote 3/3/2026

Senate acceded to request Block Vote

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

House substitute agreed to by Senate

Yes: 23 • No: 17

Senate vote 2/26/2026

Reconsideration of House substitute agreed to by Senate

Yes: 40 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/26/2026

House substitute rejected by Senate

Yes: 0 • No: 40

House vote 2/24/2026

Passed House with substitute

Yes: 65 • No: 33

House vote 2/19/2026

Reported from Health and Human Services with substitute

Yes: 14 • No: 7

Senate vote 2/10/2026

Passed Senate

Yes: 24 • No: 15

Senate vote 2/9/2026

Education and Health Substitute agreed to

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/6/2026

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 1st reading)

Yes: 39 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/5/2026

Reported from Education and Health with substitute

Yes: 11 • No: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0525)

    4/8/2026Governor
  2. Approved by Governor-Chapter 525 (effective 7/1/2026)

    4/8/2026Governor
  3. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB596)

    4/1/2026Senate
  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

    3/31/2026Senate
  6. Signed by Speaker

    3/31/2026House
  7. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB596ER)

    3/30/2026Senate
  8. Enrolled

    3/30/2026Senate
  9. Signed by President

    3/30/2026Senate
  10. Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB596)

    3/19/2026Senate
  11. Conference report agreed to by Senate (24-Y 15-N 0-A)

    3/13/2026Senate
  12. Conference report agreed to by House (64-Y 32-N 0-A)

    3/12/2026House
  13. Conference Report released

    3/12/2026
  14. House Conferees: Price, Cole, N.T., Bloxom

    3/4/2026House
  15. Conferees appointed by House

    3/4/2026House
  16. Senate acceded to request Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    3/3/2026Senate
  17. Senate Conferees: Carroll Foy, Favola, Suetterlein

    3/3/2026Senate
  18. Conferees appointed by Senate

    3/3/2026Senate
  19. House requested conference committee

    2/27/2026House
  20. House insisted on substitute

    2/27/2026House
  21. House substitute rejected by Senate

    2/26/2026Senate
  22. Reconsideration of House substitute agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  23. House substitute agreed to by Senate (23-Y 17-N 0-A)

    2/26/2026Senate
  24. Passed House with substitute (65-Y 33-N 0-A)

    2/24/2026House
  25. Engrossed by House - committee substitute

    2/24/2026House

Bill Text

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