Sen. Bill DeSteph

Electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard program. Repeals provisions (i) requiring Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power to participate in a renewable energy portfolio standard program that requires each such utility to procure and retire renewable energy certificates and (ii) permitting the recovery of certain costs associated with compliance with such program.

Electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard eligible sources; zero-carbon electricity generating nuclear facilities. Provides that, for the purposes of the renewable energy portfolio standard, eligible sources include zero-carbon electricity generating nuclear facilities located in the Commonwealth.

Maddy summarySB 458 permits Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy Virginia to join a regional energy market, which coordinates electricity generation and distribution across multiple states. This bill directly affects these two major Virginia utility companies by allowing them to participate in a shared grid system for buying and selling power. The key provision is granting formal permission for their participation, enabling them to access broader energy markets and potentially reduce costs. This is a procedural change focused on utility company operations, not a new policy affecting consumers or the environment.

Electric utilities; construction and development of renewable energy facilities; powers of State Air Pollution Control Board; powers of State Corporation Commission. Repeals provisions (i) requiring the State Air Pollution Control Board to adopt regulations to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from any electricity generating unit in the Commonwealth and authorizing the Board to establish an auction program for energy allowances; (ii) prohibiting the State Corporation Commission from approving any new utility-owned generation facilities that emit carbon dioxide as a by-product of energy generation under certain circumstances; (iii) declaring that statutory allowances for energy derived from sunlight, onshore wind, offshore wind, and storage facilities are in the public interest; and (iv) relating to the development of solar and wind generation and energy storage capacity, development of offshore wind capacity, and generation of electricity from renewable and zero-carbon sources. The bill provides that planning and development activities for new nuclear generation facilities are in the public interest.

Utility Facilities Act; definition of public utility. Provides that for the purposes of the Utility Facilities Act, the term "public utility" does not include any company that owns or operates one or more facilities for the generation, distribution, or storage of electric energy exclusively for consumption by one or more customers located on the site of such facilities or on adjoining property, provided that such facilities are connected on the customer's side of the electric meter and electricity is delivered without the use of a public utility's distribution or transmission system. The bill also provides that after such a facility operates within the certificated service territory of an electric utility for a duration of five years, such company is required to submit to such public utility a written offer for the sale of such facility.

Electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard program; deficiency payments. Removes provisions requiring deficiency payments by certain electric utilities if such utilities are unable to meet the compliance obligation of the renewable energy portfolio standard (RPS) program requirements or if the cost of renewable energy certificates necessary to comply with RPS program requirements exceeds $45 per megawatt hour.

Maddy summarySJ 81 is a ceremonial resolution commending the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association for its work in healthcare. It does not create new laws or policies; it simply expresses legislative appreciation for the association's contributions. The bill passed both the Senate and House via voice vote in February 2026 and was signed into law. This type of resolution affects only the named organization, offering no direct benefit or obligation to others.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 19) is a ceremonial resolution honoring the life and legacy of Gene Vincent, a renowned rock and roll musician. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, entities, or policies; it is purely symbolic. The resolution formally recognizes Vincent's cultural contributions to music and his impact on the community. As a commemorative measure, it has no binding effect or practical policy changes.

Division superintendents; employment and contractual matters; annual salary; limitation. Prohibits any school board from paying, agreeing to or entering into a contract to pay, or otherwise compensating a division superintendent an annual salary, as that term is defined by the bill, that exceeds the amount authorized to be paid to the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Property and casualty insurance; regulation and licensing of all-lines adjusters. Provides for State Corporation Commission licensing and regulation of all-lines adjusters investigating, negotiating, or settling property, casualty, or workers' compensation claims for insurers or for self-insurers. The bill prohibits a person from acting as an all-lines adjuster without first obtaining a license from the Commission and requires all-lines adjusters to comply with standards of conduct and continuing education requirements. The bill also allows the Commission to suspend or revoke licenses under certain conditions. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.