Del. Paul Krizek

Land development; solar canopies in parking areas. Provides that any locality may include in its land development ordinances a provision that requires that an applicant must install a solar canopy over designated surface parking areas. Such provisions shall apply only to nonresidential parking areas with 100 parking spaces or more and may require coverage of up to 50 percent of the surface parking area. The bill provides that localities shall allow for deviations, in whole or in part, from the requirements of the ordinance when its strict application would prevent the development of uses and densities otherwise allowed by the locality's zoning or development ordinance. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2027.

Maddy summaryHB 856 designates all shelter pets as the official state pet, replacing any current official animal symbol. This procedural bill updates the state's official emblems without altering laws, funding, or programs related to animal welfare. As a symbolic gesture, it directly affects the state's official identity but does not impose new requirements on shelters, pet owners, or government agencies.

Maddy summaryHB 858 changes the state holiday observed on the second Monday in October from Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples' Day. This policy affects state government operations, including public offices and schools, which typically close for legal holidays. The bill formally redesignates the holiday by replacing the current name and historical reference with Indigenous Peoples' Day. It does not alter the date or create new government obligations, only updating the official designation of an existing holiday.

Siting of data centers; site assessment; high energy use facility. Provides that prior to any approval of a rezoning application, special exception application, or special use permit for the siting of a new high energy use facility (HEUF), as defined in the bill, a locality shall require that an applicant perform and submit a site assessment to examine the sound profile of the HEUF on residential units and schools located within 500 feet of the HEUF property boundary. The bill also allows a locality to require that a site assessment examine the effect of the proposed HEUF facility on (i) ground and surface water resources, (ii) agricultural resources, (iii) parks, (iv) registered historic sites, and (v) forestland on the HEUF site or immediately contiguous land. The provisions of the bill do not apply to a site with an existing legislative or administrative approval where an applicant is seeking an expansion or modification of an already existing or approved facility and such expansion does not exceed an additional 100 megawatts or more of electrical power. Finally, the bill provides that its provisions shall not be construed to prohibit, limit, or otherwise supersede existing local zoning authority. This bill was incorporated into SB 94.

Alcoholic beverage control; special events; mixed beverage caterer's licenses. Expands the definition of "special event" used in the context of alcoholic beverage control to include events where a duly organized nonprofit corporation or association is engaged to be the concession operator entitled to the net proceeds from the sale of alcoholic beverages for such event. The bill also allows mixed beverage caterers' licenses to be granted to a person regularly engaged in the business of providing food and beverages to others for service at cultural or sporting events sponsored by a locality, destination marketing organization, or regional attractions marketing agency.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 37) that formally commends the "Friends of Dyke Marsh" group for their work. It does not create new laws, alter policies, or directly affect any individuals or organizations through specific mechanisms. The resolution simply expresses legislative recognition and appreciation for the group's efforts. As a symbolic gesture, it has no substantive policy impact or operational changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 9) commending the West Potomac High School boys' lacrosse team for their achievements. It does not create new laws or affect any policies; it simply expresses formal recognition by the legislature. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Senate and House via voice vote in early 2026. It directly affects the high school team as the recipient of this symbolic honor.

Maddy summarySJ 10 is a ceremonial resolution commending Historic Huntley, a symbolic gesture recognizing its historical significance without creating legal obligations or policy changes. The bill passed both the Senate (by voice vote on January 15, 2026) and House (by voice vote on January 19, 2026) and has no binding effect on laws, regulations, or funding. It directly honors the entity known as "Historic Huntley" through legislative acknowledgment alone. This resolution does not impact any individuals, organizations, or government operations.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 11) is a ceremonial resolution formally commending Huntley Meadows Park. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, people, or programs - it simply expresses legislative recognition and appreciation for the park. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Senate (January 15, 2026) and House (January 19, 2026) via voice vote. As a non-binding commemorative measure, it has no legal effect beyond symbolic acknowledgment.

Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; radon measurement, mitigation, and mitigation compliance inspection services; Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors renamed; penalty. Transfers the oversight and licensure of persons who practice radon measurement, radon mitigation, and radon mitigation compliance inspection services from the Board of Health to the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, Radon, and Home Inspectors, as renamed in the bill from the Virginia Board for Asbestos, Lead, and Home Inspectors, under the direction of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.