2026 Session Legislation
Legislation Tracker and Updates:
What I'm Working on in Richmond
Data Center Bills
Directs an independent study of the groundwater supply in western Loudoun and Fauquier Counties. Findings and recommendations are then to be submitted to the relevant House and Senate Committees for consideration in 2027.
Status:
In Committee
The primary purpose of the bill is to provide counties and localities with the tools to regulate the immediate and tangible impact of data centers on the lives of nearby residents.
Status:
On House Floor
Limits data centers to use certain carbon dioxide-emitting generators only in the case of emergency. Additionally, requires the Dept. of Environmental Quality to notify all property owners living within one-quarter mile of a data center when dioxide-emitting generators are operating continuously for more than four hours. Requires data centers maintain records of emissions, pollutants, and fuel usage data.
Status:
In Committee
Requires that all new power lines, substations, and related infrastructure be paid for by the large energy users—not by ratepayers. Increased power demand from data centers shouldn't mean that you have to foot the bill for new infrastructure.
Status:
In Committee
Other Legislation
Oak Hill
HB 500
Allows the Dept. of Conservation and Recreation to acquire approximately 1,240 acres of real property on Oak Hill Farm for the purpose of establishing and operating a state park.
Status:
In Committee
Requires public institutions of higher education in the Commonwealth to maintain a fixed in-state tuition rate for students that will ensure students aren't priced out of school before they finish their program of study.
Status:
In Committee
Small Business Tax Credit
HB 504
Establishes a one-time tax credit for eligible small businesses equal to $2,500. Eligible small businesses are those leasing or purchasing brick & mortar space in Virginia Main Street Communities.
Status:
In Committee
Conflict of Interest Improvments
HB 505
Prohibits real or perceived instances of conflict of interest by prohibiting a member of a governing body of a locality from holding any other position of employment with such locality.
Status:
In Committee
Directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to consult a work group of relevant stakeholders to consider the benefits, feasibility, and impact of an additional animal slaughterhouse located in Northern Virginia.
Status:
In Committee
Defines the term "agrivoltaics" to mean the intentional co-location of agricultural production and solar energy generation on the same land, keeping in mind that sustained agricultural productivity will take priority as renewable energy is integrated.
Status:
In Committee
With the intention of incentivizing more affordable housing, this removes prohibitions for rentals of 30 days or more of existing accessory residential dwellings located on farms.
Status:
In Committee
Protecting our Seniors from Fraud
HB 510
With the intention of incentivizing more affordable housing, this removes prohibitions for rentals of 30 days or more of existing accessory residential dwellings located on farms.
Status:
In Committee
Makes technical changes to reflect the previous transfer of apprenticeship programs, and creates more transparency around regulations. This dovetails with the creation of the VA Workforce Development and Career Connection and Training Foundation, whose mission is to support the interests of the Commonwealth's workforce.
Status:
In Committee
Noise Reduction on Rt. 17
HB 1349
Authorizes localities to regulate the use of compression release engine brakes, commonly known "Jake brakes" or "Jacob's brakes", when motor vehicles are operated within their boundaries and adjacent to residence districts.