General Assembly Update 2/19-3/6

Following the 2026 “crossover” deadline on February 18, 2026, the Virginia General Assembly is now in the final phase of its session, focusing on reconciling differences between House and Senate versions of bills, with a strong focus on Democratic-led initiatives regarding affordability, environmental regulation, and constitutional amendments.

Here is a summary of what has happened since crossover:

Key Legislative Actions and Status

• Constitutional Amendments (Referendum Bound): Lawmakers advanced four constitutional amendments for the November ballot, including protections for same-sex marriage, automatic restoration of voting rights for felons, and a measure to enshrine reproductive rights (including abortion and contraception) in the state constitution. A fourth amendment regarding mid-term congressional redistricting also advanced.
• Data Center Regulation: Efforts to tighten control on data centers faced setbacks; bills (HB 155, SB 619) that would have required State Corporation Commission (SCC) certification for high-load users were tabled for the year.
• Minimum Wage and Workplace: Legislation is moving forward to raise the minimum wage to $12.77 in 2026, $13.75 in 2027, and $15 by 2028, alongside bills addressing paid family and medical leave.
• Environment and Energy: Debates continue over rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), which Republicans argue will raise costs, while Democrats contend it will fund energy efficiency and lower long-term bills.
• Budget Negotiations: The two-year budget, which is exempt from the strict crossover deadline, is currently being finalized, with major changes expected to be unveiled.
• Gaming: Several bills regarding internet gaming and “skill games” passed their respective chambers and are under negotiation (HB161 and SB118).

There is still time to contact your legislators about bills that are still in play and to offer feedback. Of particular note, if May Nivar is your delegate, please reach out to her to express disappointment and request an explanation for why she voted to table important data center legislation in the Labor and Commerce Committee.

The session is scheduled to adjourn Sine Die on March 14, 2026.

Budgeting Process Update

A committee of members from both houses is negotiating a compromise to the two different versions of the budget at this time. Here’s more detail on key stages of the budgeting process for reference.

Final Passage and Governor’s Action: Both houses vote on the final conference report. Once passed, the Governor has 30 days to sign, veto, or offer additional amendments.additional information on what’s still in play and what didn’t make the cut.

Governor’s Proposal (December): The Governor submits the budget bill (or amendments) to the General Assembly, typically in a joint session of the money committees.

Committee Review (Jan-Feb): The House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee review, hold hearings, and amend the bill.

Floor Action and Crossover: Each chamber (House and Senate) votes on their respective versions, then the bill “crosses over” to the other chamber for further action.

Conference Committee (Feb-March): A committee of members from both houses negotiates a compromise version of the budget.

---