Virginia Legislative Events

Private Activity Bond Housing Allocation Increase

Virginia General Assembly enacted HB1227, increasing the housing allocation of the state ceiling on private activity bonds from 57% to 67%. The Virginia Housing Development Authority allocation rises from 43% to 50%, and local housing authorities from 14% to 17%, while industrial development bonds for manufacturing and exempt facilities decrease from 25% to 15%.

Electric cooperative substation construction agreements

Virginia SB377 (Chapter 22) permits electric cooperatives to enter construction agreements with large industrial members (20+ MW demand) requiring 230+ kilovolt interconnection. Upon substation completion, the member transfers ownership to the cooperative, which operates and maintains the facility at the member's sole expense. The bill explicitly excludes all acquisition, operation, and maintenance costs from the cooperative's general and base rates, protecting non-member ratepayers from cross-subsidization. The bill is identical to HB 1191 and takes effect July 1, 2026.

Public Pool Regulations - Board of Health Directive

Virginia HB222 was signed into law directing the State Board of Health to adopt comprehensive regulations for public swimming pools and water recreational facilities. The law covers pools operated for public use, including those at tourist facilities and health spas. The bill passed the House 87-10 and Senate 21-19, with an effective date of July 1, 2026.

Virginia HJR4 congressional district amendment signed

Virginia HJR4 congressional district amendment signed

Teacher Mental Health Training Requirements for Public Schools

Virginia HB38 was enacted on April 2, 2026, amending state law to require full-time public school teachers and relevant personnel to complete mental health awareness training that addresses the needs of youth at high risk of mental health challenges. Training must follow evidence-based best practices developed by the American Psychological Association. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Student internet safety curriculum - online scams, misinformation, AI content

Virginia Governor signed HB171 into law (Chapter 48), requiring all school divisions to expand their internet safety curriculum to include instruction on online scams, misinformation, and artificial intelligence-generated content. The bill amends existing acceptable internet use policy requirements for K-12 instruction. The legislation passed unanimously in the Senate (40-0) and with bipartisan support in the House (75-24).

At-Risk Student Programs Funding - School Health Services

Virginia HB195 was signed into law by Governor Glenn Youngkin on April 2, 2026 (effective July 1, 2026). The bill expands permissible uses of At-Risk Program funding to include physical and mental health initiatives in public schools, specifically permitting funding for hiring licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses.

Threat Assessment Training for Schools

Virginia HB1071 requires public elementary, secondary, and higher education institutions to ensure threat assessment teams receive specific training on emergency substantial risk orders and substantial risk orders within existing annual training requirements. The bill was signed into law on April 2, 2026, and takes effect July 1, 2026.

At-Risk Student Health Programs - Mental Health Services and Nurse Hiring

Virginia enacted SB33, expanding the At-Risk Program to include funding for student mental and physical health services in public schools. The bill permits funding to be used for hiring licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, and advanced practice registered nurses. The legislation takes effect July 1, 2026, and passed with unanimous support in both chambers.