Del. Kelly Fowler

Voter registration; time period for closing registration records before certain elections. Reduces from 21 to 10 days the number of days during which registration records are closed before primary and general elections and from 13 to 10 days the number of days during which registration records are closed before special elections that are not called by the Governor, Speaker of the House of Delegates, or President pro tempore of the Senate. This bill is identical to SB 991.

Certified public accountant; educational requirements. Clarifies education and experience requirements for candidates to qualify for CPA licensure. The bill also provides that, to qualify for practice privileges within the Commonwealth, an individual must have a license in good standing in another jurisdiction and have passed the CPA examination. The bill directs the Board of Accountancy to adopt emergency regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill contains technical amendments. This bill is identical to SB 1042.

Department of Medical Assistance Services; state plan for medical assistance services; dental care services for pregnant women; report. Directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to amend the state plan for medical assistance services to include a provision for payment for comprehensive dental care services for pregnant women. The bill requires the Department to report to the Governor and General Assembly annually on the implementation and outcomes of the provision, and requires the first such report to be submitted by November 1, 2026.

Prescribed pediatric extended care centers; licensure; regulation. Authorizes the State Board of Health to license prescribed pediatric extended care centers, defined as nonresidential health care service centers that provide a link in the continuum of care for medically dependent or technologically dependent children. The bill establishes the scope of services offered by such centers and requirements for operation, management, staffing, facilities, and maintenance and directs the Board to promulgate emergency regulations to implement the provisions of the bill. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.

Constitutional amendment; fundamental right to reproductive freedom (first reference). Provides that every individual has the fundamental right to reproductive freedom and that such right shall not be, directly or indirectly, denied, burdened, or infringed upon unless justified by a compelling state interest, as defined in the amendment, and achieved by the least restrictive means. The amendment specifies that, notwithstanding the other provisions of amendment, the Commonwealth may regulate the provision of abortion care in the third trimester, provided that in no circumstance shall the Commonwealth prohibit an abortion (i) that in the professional judgment of a physician is medically indicated to protect the life or physical or mental health of the pregnant individual or (ii) when in the professional judgment of a physician the fetus is not viable.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial joint resolution honoring Matthew Robert Chiaverotti. It has no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation, citizens, or government operations. The resolution formally celebrates his life and legacy through a symbolic gesture by the legislature. As a commemorative measure, it does not create new laws or alter existing policies.

Department of Corrections; Department of Workforce Development and Advancement; post-release job search assistance services. Provides that the Department of Corrections shall work with the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to provide post-release job search assistance services to assist individuals in finding employment upon release from incarceration and refer such individuals to case management services where eligible from such funds as are available. The bill also requires the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to coordinate implementation and delivery of such post-release job search assistance services with Virginia Workforce System partners, including local workforce development boards. This bill is identical to SB 877.

Virginia Consumer Protection Act; Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; mold remediation; emergency. Prohibits the selling or offering for sale of services as a professional mold remediator to be performed upon any residential dwelling without holding a mold remediation certification from a nationally or internationally recognized certifying body for mold remediation. The bill also requires such professionals to comply with pertinent standards in conducting remediation. Finally, the bill directs the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to study the state of the mold inspection and mold remediation workforce in the Commonwealth to determine whether the licensure or certification of mold inspectors and remediators would benefit the public health, safety, and welfare and submit a report by January 1, 2026. This bill incorporates HB 2355 and contains an emergency clause.

Maddy summaryHJ 616 is a ceremonial resolution commending Colonel Gary T. Settle for his service. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals financially or operationally. The resolution formally recognizes his contributions through a non-binding expression of appreciation from the legislature. This procedural bill was passed unanimously by both chambers with no substantive impact beyond the symbolic commendation.

Department of Education; survey of local education agencies on school-based mental and behavioral health services; report. Requires the Department of Education (the Department) to survey each local education agency (LEA) in the Commonwealth to determine (i) how public schools governed by such LEA currently grant access to local departments of social services and community services boards and other community-based providers of mental and behavioral health services and (ii) what school-based mental and behavioral health services are made available by such LEA. The bill requires the Department to utilize the results of and feedback from the survey to inform the continued development and improvement of guidelines for school professionals to support students and families by connecting them with community resources that provide mental and behavioral health services. The bill requires the Department to report to the Commission on Youth by November 1, 2025, any findings and recommendations that result from the survey. This bill is identical to SB 768.