State Bills: Virginia

Virginia HB1530 establishes $5.1M annual transformer manufacturing grants

Virginia HB1530 establishes $5.1M annual transformer manufacturing grants

Language access plans for limited English proficient parents by school boards

Virginia Governor signed SB685 into law, requiring each school board to develop, implement, and publicly post a language access plan for limited English proficient (LEP) parents. The bill defines LEP parents and establishes policies and procedures for meaningful communication and informational accessibility. The law takes effect July 1, 2027.

Private Activity Bond Housing Allocation

The Virginia General Assembly enacted SB729, amending the state ceiling on private activity bonds to increase housing allocation from 57% to 67%. The Virginia Housing Development Authority allocation rises from 43% to 50%, while local housing authorities increase from 14% to 17%. The industrial development bonds portion decreases from 25% to 15%. The bill takes effect July 1, 2026.

Equivalent Pay Requirements for Contracted Transit Workers

Virginia SB731 requires counties and cities contracting with private companies for public transportation services to ensure such companies provide employees compensation and benefits equivalent to public employees in comparable positions. The bill, effective July 1, 2026, also requires that when a locality transitions from contracted to publicly operated transit, all private company employees must be offered positions without loss of compensation or benefits.

Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations

Virginia Governor signed SB753 into law, expanding the state's right of publicity to cover voice and likeness. The bill allows any person to bring suit in equity for unauthorized commercial use of their voice or likeness, including for advertising or trade purposes, with accompanying remedies and extended statute of limitations. This is identical to companion bill HB581.

Deferred Disposition for DUI Cases

Virginia SB764 allows trial courts to defer judgment for driving while intoxicated violations, requiring defendants to complete an alcohol safety action program and install an ignition interlock system. The bill permits courts to suspend defendants' driver's licenses when deferring disposition for motor vehicle or watercraft offenses. Commercial driver's license holders and commercial vehicle operators are excluded from these provisions.

Virginia SB801 repeals 'Old Virginny' state song

Virginia SB801 repeals 'Old Virginny' state song

Virginia Crime Victim Medical Exam Reimbursement Expansion

Virginia Governor signed SB812, expanding state-funded reimbursement for forensic medical examinations to include anonymous trace evidence collection kit examinations for victims of strangulation. The Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund (Virginia Victims Fund), administered by the Virginia Workers' Compensation Commission, will now cover these exams without requiring victims to participate in the criminal justice system. A work group is required to submit recommendations on the reimbursement process by November 1, 2026.

Solar Contractor and Installation Company Regulation

Virginia enacted SB823, authorizing the Board for Contractors to regulate solar installation companies engaged in the sale, lease, or power purchase of residential solar energy systems. The bill mandates written contracts with specific provisions and disclosures, and creates civil penalties of up to $2,500 per willful violation. The Board must adopt implementing regulations by January 1, 2027, when most provisions take effect.

Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Grant Fund

Virginia General Assembly enacted SB835, establishing the Solid Rocket Motor Manufacturing Grant Fund to provide up to $6 million annually through 2046 (capped at $97.7 million total) to qualifying companies engaged in solid rocket motor manufacturing. Eligible companies must execute an MOU with Virginia, invest at least $537.6 million in capital, and create at least 1,546 new full-time positions.