Virginia Bill Book

The bill would make it illegal for doctors to give gender‑transition treatments to anyone under 21 and stop public money from paying for them.

Parents could block gender‑affirming care for their kids, and doctors could lose their license or pay fines, while trans youth lose a medical option and families may have to pay out‑of‑pocket.

Healthcare providers

• Accountability (hurts) — Reduces provider accountability to trans youth. Adds penalties for providers but limits care options
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Removes rights to gender‑affirming care. Makes it unlawful to provide such care to minors
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Shifts cost to families. No public funding for gender‑transition procedures
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Requires parental notification. Mandates written notice to parents
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Restricts funding for gender‑transition care. Prohibits use of state funds for minors

• Official text (VA SB411)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB411
• LegiScan — SB411https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/SB411/2026

The bill would limit how long the state can chase old fines to ten years and set payment plans for inmates after release.

Citizens could see old traffic tickets disappear, easing debt burdens, while the state may lose money from long‑ago fines; lawmakers should weigh fairness versus revenue.

Everyday People

• Accountability (hurts) — reduces state ability to enforce old fines. State loses ability to collect debts after ten years
• Rights & Protections (helps) — gives people a clearer deadline. Defendants have a ten‑year limit to be sued for fines
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — shifts lost revenue to taxpayers. Uncollected fines stay with state, reducing funds for local services
• Process Transparency (helps) — requires posting payment terms. Courts must post deferred payment rules online
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. Bill does not create new money sources

• Official text (VA HB268)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB268
• LegiScan — HB268https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB268/2026

The bill would give a refundable tax credit to wealthy Virginians who pay health insurance premiums.

The credit could lower the tax bill for rich families, but it costs the state and may reduce funds for programs that help ordinary people.

The Wealthy / Donors

• Accountability (neutral) — No new oversight body created. Bill does not add accountability mechanisms
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — No change to consumer rights. Does not affect ability to sue or sue insurers
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — State pays credit to high‑income taxpayers. Tax credit reduces state revenue, shifting cost to all taxpayers
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Guidelines exempt from Administrative Process Act. Reduces public review of how credit is administered
• Funding Tilt (hurts) — Benefits wealthy taxpayers. Credit targets high‑income individuals, not low‑income

• Official text (VA HB405)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB405
• LegiScan — HB405https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB405/2026

Virginia would let people create blockchain‑run companies that protect owners from debts but may limit their rights to sue if things go wrong.

Citizens could see new tech businesses pop up, but they might find it harder to hold owners accountable when they lose money or are harmed.

Blockchain firms

• Accountability (hurts) — LLDs can limit fiduciary duties. Participants may have reduced duties and can restrict asset use
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Limits ability to sue. LLD bylaws can cut participant rights to sue or withdraw
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Fees same as LLCs. LLDs pay same registration fees as regular LLCs
• Process Transparency (hurts) — Smart contracts may be opaque. Governance relies on blockchain code not always visible
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding. Bill does not allocate money

• Official text (VA HB293)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB293
• LegiScan — HB293https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB293/2026

Counties can use license‑plate cameras to issue parking tickets by mail, and owners must prove they weren’t driving to avoid a fine.

Everyday drivers could get more tickets with less chance to fight them, while counties and private vendors could earn extra fees; the bill also promises data safeguards and a public notice.

ALPR vendors

• Accountability (hurts) — Presumption shifts proof burden to owners.. Owners must prove they were not driving to avoid liability.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — Limits ability to contest tickets.. Rebuttable presumption reduces owners' right to challenge.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Ticket costs fall on vehicle owners.. Fees are not tied to private vendor profit.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Requires public awareness campaign.. Data use is limited and not sold, but details are not public.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No new funding allocated.. Revenue comes from tickets and vendor fees.

• Official text (VA HB936)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB936
• LegiScan — HB936https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB936/2026

This bill would add taxes on many services and digital products, making things more expensive for everyday people.

If this bill passes, you might pay more for services like car repairs, digital subscriptions, and even laundry. It's important to speak up now to protect your wallet.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — Revenue allocation is specified but may not directly benefit consumers.. Revenues will be used for local schools and transportation.
• Rights & Protections (hurts) — New taxes may limit access to services for some.. Increased costs could make services less affordable.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Consumers will pay higher prices for services.. The tax burden shifts to everyday people.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — The bill outlines tax distribution clearly.. It specifies how revenue will be allocated.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Funding is directed towards schools and transportation.. This may benefit local services but not directly consumers.

• Official text (VA HB978)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB978
• LegiScan — HB978https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB978/2026

Water suppliers to data centers would have to file monthly water use reports, adding paperwork and possibly higher costs for consumers.

The bill could help the state plan water supplies better, but it also puts extra reporting work on water utilities and may raise water rates for everyday users.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — adds reporting. Water users must report usage, increasing oversight
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — no change to personal rights. does not affect individual's right to sue
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — extra paperwork may raise costs. Reporting burden may be passed to consumers as higher water rates
• Process Transparency (helps) — more data public. Monthly water use data becomes available to the Board
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. Bill does not allocate money

• Official text (VA HB589)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB589
• LegiScan — HB589https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB589/2026

If you participate in a restorative justice program, where people who caused harm meet those harmed to fix things, the state would keep what you say there secret and out of court, unless a judge says otherwise or someone might get seriously hurt.

Restorative justice is supposed to help people heal and fix harm outside the regular court system. This bill tries to protect those private conversations from being used as evidence later. That sounds fair, you want people to be honest in those talks without fear of getting sued or convicted. BUT here's the catch: it still requires restorative justice facilitators (the people running these programs) to report child abuse they find out about, even if they learn it during confidential sessions. So the confidentiality isn't absolute. The bill also died in conference committee (failed both houses), so it's not moving forward right now. Worth watching if it comes back because the immunity piece could shield people from lawsuits, but the mandatory reporting carve-out for kids means it's not a total blank check.

Everyday People

• Immunity Grant (hurts) — Broad shield from civil liability for restorative justice participants and facilitators. Participants cannot be sued based on statements made in restorative justice programs; facilitators get immunity for good-faith disclosure; shifts risk away from program users
• Confidentiality Carve-Out (Child Safety) (helps) — Mandatory child abuse reporting exception limits immunity. Restorative justice facilitators must still report suspected child abuse and neglect even if learned during confidential sessions; prevents blanket confidentiality shield
• Process Fairness (Victim Consent) (helps) — Victim, defendant, and prosecutor must all agree in writing. Gives victim a veto over confidentiality; requires prosecutor sign-off; reduces unilateral power
• Limited Disclosure (Court Order) (neutral) — Narrow exceptions allow court-ordered reports. Reports limited to whether program happened, success opinion, and expected further sessions; prevents full discovery of statements
• Stalled Momentum (neutral) — Bill failed conference committee and has made no progress since March 2026. No further action since dual conference failures; low immediate legislative heat

Pushing for it: Victims and defendants who participate in restorative justice and gain confidentiality protection
Bearing the cost: People who might have sued restorative justice participants for statements made during programs

• Official text (VA HB489)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB489
• LegiScan — HB489https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB489/2026

This bill would let some people test new health care ideas without full licenses, which could change how we get health care.

This bill could help bring new health care ideas to life, but we need to make sure it protects everyone. Now is the time to speak up about how it might affect us.

• Accountability (neutral) — Requires reporting on the program's effectiveness.. Annual reports to health committees about participants and recommendations.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Consumer protections included in the program.. Participants must show how they will protect consumers during testing.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Costs may shift to consumers if tests fail.. Participants must provide liability coverage, but risks still exist.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Application process outlined but could be clearer.. Applications require detailed plans but may lack public oversight.

• Official text (VA HB146)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB146
• LegiScan — HB146https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB146/2026

This bill would stop police from wearing masks while on duty, except in certain cases, and let people sue them if they break the rules.

If this bill passes, it could help hold police accountable for their actions. It is important to pay attention now, as it could change how police operate.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases accountability for police actions.. Creates civil liability for officers who violate mask rules.
• Rights & Protections (neutral) — Limits police anonymity but may impact safety.. Restricts police from hiding their identity while on duty.
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Unknown costs for enforcement.. No clear financial impact on taxpayers mentioned.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Promotes clear rules for police conduct.. Requires agencies to create written policies on mask use.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes noted.. Does not allocate new funds for implementation.

• Official text (VA HB7)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB7
• LegiScan — HB7https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB7/2026

This bill would create a state program to help Virginia's farm workers get mental health support and learn about suicide prevention.

This bill would help Virginia's farm workers get important mental health support, especially when facing tough times like natural disasters or money problems. It would make sure they know where to find help and can get it easily. While some might worry about the cost of new state programs, many believe that helping our farmers stay healthy is good for everyone. This bill has not moved forward this session, so if you care about mental health for farm workers, now is the time to tell your lawmakers.

Workers

• Accountability (helps) — State agency would be responsible for running the program and reporting its progress.. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would establish and administer the program and submit biennial reports on its progress, including data and recommendations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Would offer mental health support and suicide prevention services to farm workers.. The program would increase public awareness of mental health resources and provide access to culturally and contextually appropriate mental health services, including crisis intervention.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — The state would pay for this program to help farm workers.. The Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services would establish and administer the program, implying state funding for its operations.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Standard legislative process.. The bill was introduced and assigned to a committee, following typical legislative steps.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — State funds would go to a program helping a vulnerable workforce.. The program aims to support the mental health and well-being of the agricultural workforce through state-administered services and awareness campaigns.

Pushing for it: Virginia's agricultural workforce
Bearing the cost: Virginia state budget

• Official text (VA HB321)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB321
• LegiScan — HB321https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB321/2026

The bill would let Virginia keep the refundable earned tax credit at 20 % forever, giving low‑income workers more money back on their taxes.

Citizens who earn low wages could see a bigger tax refund every year, helping them pay bills and save. The state will need to fund the credit each year, so lawmakers should weigh the budget impact while the bill moves forward.

Everyday People

• Accountability (neutral) — no change to oversight. bill does not alter accountability mechanisms
• Rights & Protections (helps) — expands tax credit. increases refundable credit to 20% permanently
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — state must fund larger credit. permanent credit increase costs state budget
• Process Transparency (neutral) — standard legislative process. bill follows normal introduction and committee steps
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding source. bill does not provide additional money, just a credit

• Official text (VA HB372)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB372
• LegiScan — HB372https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB372/2026

This bill would create new rules for job training programs so more people can get good jobs and use state or federal money to pay for them.

This bill is a good idea because it would help people get better jobs and make sure their training is worth it. Right now, it can be hard to know if a job training program is good or if you're just wasting your money. This bill would set clear rules so that programs have to teach real skills, have good teachers, and protect students. It also means that more people could get help paying for these programs with state or federal money. While some programs might find the new rules a bit strict, the goal is to make sure everyone gets a fair shot at a good job. Since this bill is still being decided, it's a good time to let your lawmakers know you support making job training better and safer for everyone.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Programs would need to meet clear standards and report how well their students do in finding jobs.. The Department would establish minimum standards for recognition, including curriculum, hands-on learning, qualified instructors, and safety. Recognized programs would also report credential attempts, job placements, starting wages, and retention rates.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Students would be protected by rules about clear costs, refund policies, and honest advertising.. The bill requires recognized programs to provide adequate consumer protections, including publishing tuition and fees, a refund policy, truthful advertising, and maintenance of student records.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — State and federal funds could help pay for these training programs, making them more affordable for people.. Department-recognized programs would be eligible for state workforce grants and could be recommended for federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding, including the federal Workforce Pell Grant.
• Process Transparency (helps) — Programs would have to openly share costs and refund rules with students.. Consumer protections require programs to publish tuition and fees, along with a refund policy.
• Funding Tilt (helps) — Money would go towards programs that help people get real job skills, especially those who need a way to start working.. The bill aims to align workforce skills with industry needs and provide a workforce entrance pathway for underserved populations, making recognized programs eligible for state and federal workforce funding.

Pushing for it: Non-degree workforce training programs, students, underserved populations
Bearing the cost: No direct 'against' party, but the state would incur administrative costs.

• Official text (VA HB551)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB551
• LegiScan — HB551https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB551/2026

This bill would make big companies create plans to stop violence at work and protect people who report it, so everyone feels safer.

This bill would make workplaces safer for many people in Virginia. Big companies would have to make plans to stop violence and keep workers safe. It would also protect workers who speak up about violence, meaning they could not be fired or punished for telling the truth. Some people might worry that this bill would cost companies too much money or create too much paperwork. But it helps make sure everyone can go to work without fear. It is important to tell your lawmakers what you think now, while they are still deciding on this bill.

Workers

• Accountability (helps) — Holds employers accountable for workplace safety.. The bill requires employers of 100 or more employees to develop and maintain a workplace violence policy and face civil penalties for violations.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects employees who report violence.. The bill prohibits retaliation against employees who report workplace violence and grants them immunity from civil liability for truthful reports.
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — Employers bear the cost of compliance.. Employers with 100 or more employees would incur costs to develop, implement, and maintain the required workplace violence policies and training.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No direct impact on transparency.. The bill does not directly address government process transparency, but requires employers to make policies available to employees.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — Penalties go to a state fund.. Civil penalties collected from employers would be paid to the Literary Fund, not directly used to fund workplace violence prevention programs.

Pushing for it: Employees
Bearing the cost: Employers with 100 or more employees (Up to $1,000 per violation, max $10,000 per year)

• Official text (VA HB944)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB944
• LegiScan — HB944https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB944/2026

This bill would let parents and kids sue social media companies if their private data rules are broken, helping them get money back.

This bill is a big deal because it would give regular people, like parents and their children, a new way to stand up to big social media companies. Right now, only the state's top lawyer, the Attorney General, can sue these companies for breaking data rules. This bill would let you take them to court yourself if they mess up your data on social media. You could get money for what you lost, and the company would have to pay your lawyer fees too. Before you sue, you'd have to tell the company what they did wrong and give them 30 days to fix it. Some might say this could lead to too many lawsuits or make it hard for social media companies to create new things. But for people who feel their privacy is invaded, this bill could give them a powerful voice. Even though a committee suggested stopping this bill, it's important to know what it would do if it ever moves forward again.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Increases accountability for social media platforms.. Gives parents and minors the power to hold social media platforms accountable for violating data protection rules, rather than relying solely on the Attorney General.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Creates a new right for individuals to sue.. Creates a new individual right to take legal action and seek damages when social media platforms violate specific consumer data protection provisions related to minors.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts costs to social media platforms.. Shifts the financial burden of data violations onto social media platforms, as they would be responsible for damages, attorney fees, and court costs if found in violation.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — Does not directly impact process transparency.. The bill does not directly impact the transparency of legislative or regulatory processes.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No direct government funding or new public revenue.. The bill does not involve direct government funding or create new public revenue streams beyond penalties going to the state treasury from Attorney General actions.

Pushing for it: Parents or minors. (Actual damages or $500 per violation, up to three times actual damages or $1,000 if willful.)
Bearing the cost: Social media platforms.

• Official text (VA HB1368)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1368
• LegiScan — HB1368https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB1368/2026

Virginia health plans would have to pay for speech therapy for stuttering with no visit limits or prior approvals.

People who stutter could finally get the help they need without insurers putting caps or extra paperwork, but insurers may raise premiums to cover the cost.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — insurers must cover therapy. adds insurer duty to pay for stuttering therapy
• Rights & Protections (helps) — expands patient rights. removes caps and prior‑auth for stuttering therapy
• Who Bears the Cost (hurts) — cost may shift to premiums. insurers may raise premiums to cover added therapy costs
• Process Transparency (neutral) — no new reporting. bill does not add reporting requirements
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. bill does not allocate money

• Official text (VA HB64)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB64
• LegiScan — HB64https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB64/2026

Insurers could not raise long‑term care premiums more than 30% of current limits, and must spread any allowed increase over at least five years.

Consumers would be shielded from sudden big premium jumps, making long‑term care more affordable. Insurers would lose some flexibility to raise rates quickly, but the trade‑off protects retirees. The bill is still early, so voters can push for strong consumer safeguards.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Adds oversight on rate hikes. Commission must review and approve any premium increase.
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Protects consumers from steep hikes. Caps increases and limits total hikes to 250% of original premium.
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — Shifts cost to insurers. Insurers must absorb cost of limiting hikes.
• Process Transparency (neutral) — No new transparency measures. Existing commission process remains.
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No funding changes. Bill does not allocate money.

• Official text (VA HB997)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB997
• LegiScan — HB997https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB997/2026

Companies get help if they pay fair wages

If this bill passes, workers in Virginia might get paid more because companies would have to pay fair wages to get help from the state. This is important because it could help workers afford the things they need. Now is the time to weigh in because the bill is still moving through the legislature.

Workers

• Accountability (helps) — The bill makes companies pay fair wages to get state help. Companies have to pay at least the average wage to get help from the state
• Rights & Protections (helps) — The bill helps workers by making companies pay fair wages. Workers might get paid more because companies have to pay fair wages
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — The state helps companies, but they have to pay fair wages. The state gives money to companies, but they have to pay workers fair wages
• Process Transparency (helps) — The bill explains how companies can get state help. The bill says how companies can get help from the state
• Funding Tilt (helps) — The state gives money to companies that pay fair wages. The state gives money to companies that pay workers fair wages

Pushing for it: workers and companies
Bearing the cost: Unknown

• Official text (VA HB1138)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1138
• LegiScan — HB1138https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB1138/2026

The bill would stop health insurers and PBMs from denying pharmacies preferred status, cutting reimbursements, or charging extra fees, protecting patients and pharmacists.

If passed, Virginia residents could see lower drug costs and more pharmacy choices, while pharmacists gain fair pay and can stay in networks without unfair penalties.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — civil penalties. Attorney General can fine up to $5,000 per violation
• Rights & Protections (helps) — pharmacy rights. Stops PBMs from denying preferred status and cutting reimbursements
• Who Bears the Cost (helps) — cost shift. PBMs cannot charge extra fees to pharmacies
• Process Transparency (helps) — claim system. PBMs must maintain electronic claim inquiry system with disclosures
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — no new funding. Bill does not create new funding sources

• Official text (VA HB1271)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1271
• LegiScan — HB1271https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB1271/2026

The bill would stop insurers and PBMs from forcing you to use certain pharmacies or charging extra fees, letting you choose any pharmacy you want.

Consumers could finally shop for the cheapest or most convenient pharmacy without insurers pushing preferred chains, which could lower out‑of‑pocket costs as the bill moves forward.

Everyday People

• Accountability (helps) — Adds enforcement for violations. Violations become unfair trade practices with penalties
• Rights & Protections (helps) — Expands pharmacy choice rights. Patients can select any pharmacy, including non‑preferred ones
• Who Bears the Cost (neutral) — Cost impact unclear. Insurers may face higher reimbursement costs, possibly affecting premiums
• Process Transparency (helps) — Requires prompt electronic communication. Insurers must allow fast electronic or telephonic transmission of reimbursement agreements
• Funding Tilt (neutral) — No direct funding changes. Bill does not create new spending or revenue sources

• Official text (VA HB1390)https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB1390
• LegiScan — HB1390https://legiscan.com/VA/bill/HB1390/2026