164th Virginia General Assembly

US state legislative body February 2026 February 2026 164th Virginia General Assembly 163rd File:2015 Virginia State House - Richmond, Virginia 02 (cropped).JPG 165th January 14, 2026 Senate of Virginia 40 President of the Senate Lt. Gov. Ghazala Hashmi (D) Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D) Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle (R) Democratic Virginia House of Delegates 100 Speaker of the House Don Scott (D) House Majority Leader Charniele Herring (D) House Minority Leader Terry Kilgore (R) Democratic January 14, 2026 March 14, 2026 April 23, 2026 The 164th Virginia General Assembly, consisting of members who were elected to the Senate in 2023 and the House of Delegates in 2025, convened on January 14, 2026. Democrats retained a majority in the Virginia Senate and expanded their majority in the House of Delegates, with Democratic former State Senator Ghazala Hashmi becoming the next Lieutenant Governor. The 2023 Senate election was the first, and the 2025 House election was the second, to be held under maps for both houses of the Virginia General Assembly which were approved by the Virginia Redistricting Commission and the Supreme Court of Virginia in 2021, which were the first in Virginia history to not be drawn and approved by the legislature. The 2026 session began on January 14 and is set to adjourn on March 14, 2026.2026-01-14 Key Dates for 2026 General Assembly Session https://www.vaco.org/capitol-contact/key-dates-for-2026-general-assembly-session 2026-02-12 Virginia Association of Counties The 2024 special session that was called in the previous term of the Virginia General Assembly by Governor Glenn Youngkin briefly ran concurrently into the 2026 session until it was adjourned on January 15, 2026.After more than 600 days, Va. lawmakers adjourn 2024 special session https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/15/after-more-than-600-days-va-lawmakers-adjourn-2024-special-session/ 2026-01-15 2026-02-17 Virginia Mercury Cline Nathaniel live 2026-02-18 https://web.archive.org/web/20260218001809/https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/15/after-more-than-600-days-va-lawmakers-adjourn-2024-special-session/ Leadership and committees The leadership structure remained largely unchanged from the previous assembly, with Democrats maintaining control of both chambers, by 21-19 in the Senate, and 64-36 in the House. In the House of Delegates, Don Scott was re-elected as Speaker on January 14, 2026.2026-01-14 Don Scott re-elected as Virginia House Speaker https://www.wtkr.com/news/politics/don-scott-re-elected-as-virginia-house-speaker 2026-02-12 WTKR News 3 Committee assignments were updated at the start of the session, with key committees such as Appropriations, Finance, and Privileges and Elections reflecting Democratic priorities.2026-01-14 Committee Assignments for 2026 Session https://lis.virginia.gov/session-details/20261/committee-information 2026-02-12 Legislative Information System Sessions The regular session commenced on January 14, 2026, with key procedural resolutions adopted, including the schedule for bill introductions (deadline January 23, 2026) and crossover (February 17, 2026).2026-01-14 2026 Session Calendar https://vapta.org/legislativepriorities 2026-02-12 Virginia PTA At the end of the regular session, on March 14, 2026, 3,646 bills had been introduced, with committees actively hearing legislation ahead of the crossover deadline.Richmond Sunlight » Tracking the Virginia General Assembly https://www.richmondsunlight.com/ https://web.archive.org/web/20260228085749/https://www.richmondsunlight.com/ February 28, 2026 2026-06-11 www.richmondsunlight.com en live Governor Abigail Spanberger delivered her first address to a joint session on January 19, emphasizing affordability, bipartisanship, and priorities such as healthcare costs, housing, and gun safety.2026-01-19 Spanberger pushes affordability and unity in her first General Assembly address https://cardinalnews.org/2026/01/19/spanberger-pushes-affordability-and-unity-in-her-first-general-assembly-address 2026-02-12 Cardinal News Budget Governor Spanberger presented her budget proposal on December 17, 2025, focusing on affordability measures, including investments in education, healthcare, and housing.2025-12-17 Governor's Budget Announced https://vapta.org/legislativepriorities 2026-02-12 Virginia PTA Budget hearings were held on January 2, 2026. The House Appropriations and Senate Finance and Appropriations committees are scheduled to report their budget proposals on "Budget Sunday," February 22, 2026, with each chamber expected to act on its budget by February 26. As of February 12, 2026, January general fund revenues were ahead of forecast by 2.9 percent, providing additional resources amid debates over spending priorities.2026-02-12 Governor Spanberger Announces January General Fund Revenues Are Ahead of Official Forecast by 2.9 Percent https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/february-/name-1112619-en.html 2026-02-12 Office of the Governor of Virginia Controversies include Republican concerns over potential redirection of surpluses to partisan projects.The Motley Patriot 2026-02-11 To the honorable @ReevesVA , @KarenHamiltonVA , and all members of the Virginia General Assembly... https://twitter.com/motley_patriot/status/2021690119556633058 2026-02-12 X (formerly Twitter) After the regular session ended on March 14, 2026, without a budget bill passing, the General Assembly voted to convene for a special session on April 23, 2026, to continue negotiations. Khalil Jahd 2026-03-15 General Assembly gavels out 2026 session without budget agreement https://www.vpm.org/generalassembly/2026-03-14/sine-die-ga-session-budget-affordability-spanberger-ahmad-farnsworth 2026-06-11 VPM en The special session failed to produce a final bill, and, as of June 11, 2026, lawmakers are faced with a June 30th deadline to finalize the state's budget. Negotiations remain stalled over several unresolved issues, including tax incentives for data centers. If the June 30th deadline passes, the state government will shut down, leading to uncertainty for agencies and local governments across Virginia. Branning Rachel 2026-06-10 Virginia budget talks near June 30 deadline as data center tax breaks spark debate https://wset.com/news/local/virginia-state-budget-talks-near-june-30-deadline-as-data-center-tax-breaks-spark-debate-spending-plan-lawmakers-2026 2026-06-11 WSET en Legislation The Democratic majorities advanced legislation aligned with campaign promises, including the "Affordable Virginia Agenda" focused on reducing costs in healthcare, housing, and energy. By February 9, 2026, more than half of these bills had passed either the House or Senate.2026-02-09 More Than Half of Governor Spanberger’s “Affordable Virginia Agenda” Passes Virginia House of Delegates or Senate https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/february-/name-1112416-en.html 2026-02-12 Office of the Governor of Virginia Republicans criticized some measures as increasing taxes and burdens on the middle class.Simone Jaida 2026-02-10 Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger's 'affordability' claims receive backlash https://wjla.com/news/local/abigail-spanberger-affordability-claims-taxes-backlash-virginians-comment-social-media-post-affordable-virginia-agenda-passes-democrat-controlled-house-delegates-senate-governor-campaign-promises-car-tax-proposals-relief 2026-02-12 WJLA Constitutional amendments Constitutional amendments, under Virginia law, must be initiated by majorities in both houses in two consecutive legislatures before being sent to voters for approval. The following amendments, initiated in the previous General Assembly, were advanced: HJ1 / SJ247 (initiated March 24, 2025): Constitutional amendment to guarantee a right to reproductive freedom, including abortion, contraception, and fertility treatmentsIn a historic vote, constitutional amendment to protect reproductive freedom passes the General Assembly https://www.acluva.org/press-releases/historic-vote-constitutional-amendment-protect-reproductive-freedom-passes-general/ 2026-02-12 ACLU of Virginia en-USKhalil Jahd 2025-01-20 Virginia Senate pushes forward constitutional amendments https://www.vpm.org/news/2025-01-20/virginia-constitutional-amendments-abortion-marriage-equality-voting-rights 2026-02-12 VPM en HJ3 / SJ249 (initiated March 24, 2025): Constitutional amendment to codify same-sex and interracial marriage HJ2 / SJ248 (initiated March 24, 2025): Constitutional amendment to automatically restore voting rights to formerly incarcerated individuals HJ4 / HJ6007 (initiated October 31, 2025): Constitutional amendment to allow legislative mid-decade redistricting of congressional districts in response to mid-decade redistricting by other statesSchmidt Markus 2025-10-23 House Speaker calls Virginia lawmakers back to Richmond as possible redistricting fight brews • Virginia Mercury https://virginiamercury.com/2025/10/23/house-speaker-calls-virginia-lawmakers-back-to-richmond-as-possible-redistricting-fight-brews/ 2026-02-12 Virginia Mercury en-US2026-01-16 Virginia Senate approves mid-decade redistricting amendment in party-line vote https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/virginia-senate-approves-mid-decade-redistricting-amendment-in-party-line-vote 2026-02-12 Virginia Mercury All four resolutions were passed by the House on January 14, 2026, and by the Senate on January 16, largely on party-line votes.Schmidt Markus Woods Charlotte Rene 2026-01-14 Virginia House Democrats advance four constitutional amendments on opening day of 2026 session • Virginia Mercury https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/14/virginia-house-democrats-advance-four-constitutional-amendments-on-opening-day-of-2026-session/ 2026-02-12 Virginia Mercury en-USSchmidt Markus 2026-01-16 Virginia Senate Democrats advance mid-decade redistricting amendment • Virginia Mercury https://virginiamercury.com/2026/01/16/virginia-senate-democrats-advance-mid-decade-redistricting-amendment/ 2026-02-12 Virginia Mercury en-US Governor Spanberger signed the bills on February 6, placing HJ4 on the April 21, 2026 Special Election ballot and the others on 2026 General Election on November 3, 2026.2026-02-06 Governor Spanberger Signs Bills to Send Constitutional Amendments to Virginia Voters https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/february-/name-1112417-en.html 2026-02-12 Office of the Governor of VirginiaWoods Charlotte Rene 2026-02-06 Spanberger signs bills to send constitutional amendments to voters this year https://virginiamercury.com/2026/02/06/spanberger-signs-bills-to-send-constitutional-amendments-to-voters-this-year 2026-02-12 Virginia Mercury Supporters argued the amendments protect essential rights, while opponents raised concerns over late-term abortions, human trafficking, parental consent, and potential gerrymandering in the redistricting measure.2026-02-11 Virginia governor signs bill to put 'extreme' pro-abortion measure before voters https://www.liveaction.org/news/virginia-governor-abortion-ballot-measure 2026-02-12 Live Action en Notable statutes Key bills that passed include: HB 1: Incrementally increase the minimum wage to $15/hour by 2028. HB 20/SB 121: Removing the exemption that kept farm workers from receiving the state minimum wage. HB 217/SB 749: Prohibiting the future sail and manufacture of certain assault firearms and magazines holding more than 15 rounds. HB 675: Protected undocumented and immigrant workers from retaliation by employers if they report wage theft or minimum wage violations. SB 669: Cracks down on Prescription drug middlemen and establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board to limit costs for consumers. HB 26/SB 62: Establishes a resentencing and hearing process for individuals still incarcerated for past cannabis offenses that are no longer chargeable. HB 1441: Prohibits law-enforcement agencies from agreeing to assist federal immigration enforcement. HB 1524: Prohibits carrying assault firearms in public areas. Bills that failed include: SB 199: Required mandatory sick leave for private employers. Vetoed by governor. SB 542: Would have established the regulatory framework to launch a retail marijuana market in Virginia. Vetoed by governor. Bills on solar siting reform (HB 359/SB 5) and public sector unionization (HB 582) also progressed.Paullin Charles 2026-02-06 Virginia General Assembly moves forward on solar siting reform https://insideclimatenews.org/news/06022026/virginia-solar-siting-reform/ 2026-02-12 Inside Climate News2026-02-09 New bill would allow Virginia public workers to unionize https://wydaily.com/latest/regional-national/2026/02/09/new-bill-would-allow-virginia-public-workers-to-unionize/ 2026-02-12 WYDaily A bill to regulate cryptocurrency kiosks passed both chambers.2026-02-09 Virginia General Assembly passes cryptocurrency kiosk regulations https://www.aarp.org/states/virginia/virginia-general-assembly-passes-cryptocurrency-kiosk-regulations-to-protect-virginia-consumers.html 2026-02-12 AARP Virginia Controversies The redistricting amendment sparked debate over potential gerrymandering and suspension of anti-gerrymandering laws in the budget.Tim Anderson 2026-02-07 Did you know there is a law in Virginia preventing political gerrymandering? https://twitter.com/AssocAnderson/status/2020095253676474482 2026-02-12 X (formerly Twitter) Legislation on "claim sharks" targeting veterans drew criticism for empowering predatory companies.Veterans of Foreign Wars of Virginia 2026-02-11 The 2026 Virginia General Assembly Session was supposed to be about affordability... https://twitter.com/VFWofVirginia/status/2021611365115326685 2026-02-12 X (formerly Twitter) A bill (HB 359) requiring private religious schools to participate in state assessments and affirm gender identities raised religious freedom concerns.Alan Thompson 2026-02-06 🚨 🚨🚨🚨🚨 5-Alarm alert in Virginia!!! https://twitter.com/outlaw6_vt/status/2019891453602758915 2026-02-12 X (formerly Twitter) Data center pollution bills advanced amid environmental debates.2026-02-12 Bill aimed at curbing data center pollution advances https://dailyprogress.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/article_d9f8dabf-15c4-5888-bc68-de2e9e15e22a.html 2026-02-12 The Daily Progress See also Redistricting in Virginia Gun laws in Virginia Energy policy in Virginia References Category:Virginia legislative sessions Category:2026 U.S. legislative sessions Category:2026 in Virginia