The 2026 Virginia General Assembly regular session adjourned on March 14, 2026, marking a historic era of unified Democratic control under the state’s first female governor, Abigail Spanberger. While lawmakers passed over 1,200 bills, they failed to reach a budget agreement, necessitating a special session next month.
Session Highlights and Major Legislation
- Budget Deadlock: A late-breaking dispute over data center tax incentives stalled final negotiations. The Senate proposed eliminating these breaks to generate $1 billion in revenue, while House leaders and the Governor preferred to honor existing commitments.
- Cannabis Retail Market: Five years after legalization, the Assembly finally approved a framework for recreational marijuana sales, which are slated to begin January 1, 2027.
- Minimum Wage: Legislation passed to raise the state minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, with an interim increase to $13.75 in 2027.
- Gun Control: Lawmakers sent a sweeping package to the Governor’s desk, including a ban on the sale and manufacture of assault-style weapons and large-capacity magazines.
- Constitutional Amendments: Three major civil rights amendments were cleared for statewide referendums later this year to enshrine reproductive rights, marriage equality, and automatic restoration of voting rights for felons.
- Affordability & Labor: The “Affordable Virginia Agenda” advanced measures for a Prescription Drug Affordability Board, paid family leave, and the expansion of collective bargaining for state and local employees.
- Redistricting: A controversial mid-decade congressional redistricting referendum was approved, with an initial vote scheduled for April 21, 2026.
Key Upcoming Dates
July 1, 2026 Effective date for most newly enacted laws.
April 13, 2026 Deadline for Governor Spanberger to sign, veto, or amend bills.
April 22, 2026 Reconvened “Veto Session” for legislators to act on governor’s changes.
April 23, 2026 Special Session scheduled to finalize the state budget.
Take Action
- Contact HD 57 Delegate May Nivar to share your disappointment with data center legislation tabled in committee.
- Stay tuned for budget news after 4/23.
