Sen. Kannan Srinivasan

Assault and battery; definition of "Islamophobia"; penalty. Defines "Islamophobia" as it relates to the crime of assault and battery as malicious prejudice or hatred directed toward Islam or Muslims. This definition applies regardless of whether the victim is actually a practitioner of Islam, provided that the perpetrator targeted such victim based on a perceived adherence to such faith. The bill also clarifies that religious conviction includes Islam. The bill directs the Department of State Police, in consultation with the Office of the Attorney General and the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, to include the bill's definition of "Islamophobia" in its hate crime reporting central repository.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 18) that formally commends the "Walk for Peace" event. It does not create any new laws or affect any individuals or groups through policy changes. The resolution was unanimously passed by the Senate via voice vote on January 29, 2026, and serves only as a symbolic expression of support for the event. As a procedural resolution, it has no legal effect or concrete policy impact.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate resolution (SR 4) honoring William J. Martin. It does not create any new laws, policies, or financial obligations; it is a formal expression of recognition by the Senate. The resolution passed unanimously via voice vote on January 22, 2026, following its introduction on January 14. As a commemorative resolution, it directly affects no individuals or groups through policy changes.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial Senate Resolution (SR 5) commending the First Baptist Church of Midlothian for its community contributions. It does not create new laws or affect policies; it is a symbolic gesture of recognition. The resolution was unanimously agreed to by the Senate on January 22, 2026, with no substantive provisions or impact on legislation.

Health insurance; coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices. Requires health insurance carriers to provide coverage, under any health insurance contract, policy, or plan that includes coverage for prescription drugs on an outpatient basis, for contraceptive drugs and contraceptive devices, as defined in the bill, including those available over-the-counter. The bill prohibits a health insurance carrier from imposing upon any person receiving contraceptive benefits pursuant to the provisions of the bill any copayment, coinsurance payment, or fee, except in certain circumstances. This bill is identical to HB 2371.

Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program authority; right of entry. Removes the restriction on localities that operate regulated municipal separate storm sewer systems (MS4) to only enter on those properties from which a discharge enters their MS4 and allows such localities to, at reasonable times and under reasonable circumstances, enter any establishment or upon any property, public or private, for the purpose of obtaining information or conducting surveys or investigations necessary in the enforcement of the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program. However, the bill restricts operators of an MS4 that are not a locality, or any duly authorized agent thereof, to only enter on those properties from which a discharge enters their MS4. This bill is identical to HB 2008.

Contraception; right to contraception; applicability; enforcement. Establishes a right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, as such terms are defined in the bill. The bill clarifies that none of its provisions shall be construed to permit or sanction the performance of any sterilization procedure without a patient's voluntary and informed consent. The bill creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such right. This bill is identical to HB 1716.

Office of New Americans Advisory Board; increase in membership. Increases from 18 to 21 the number of nonlegislative citizen members of the Office of New Americans Advisory Board and adds the Secretaries of Commerce and Trade, Education, Health and Human Resources, Labor, Public Safety and Homeland Security, and Transportation as ex officio members with nonvoting privileges. The bill also removes the provision that limits the Board to meeting four times per year. This bill incorporates HB 2280.

Department of Medical Assistance Services; state pharmacy benefits manager; independent evaluation. Requires the Department of Medical Assistance Services, by July 1, 2026, to select and contract with a third-party administrator to serve as the state pharmacy benefits manager to administer all pharmacy benefits for Medicaid recipients, including recipients enrolled in a managed care organization. The bill enumerates requirements for the Department's contract with the state pharmacy benefits manager. In addition, the bill directs the Department to engage an independent consultant to evaluate the implementation of a contract with a third-party pharmacy benefits manager pursuant to the bill. This bill incorporates HB 2209 and is identical to SB 875.

Discovery. Requires the Commonwealth, upon request by the accused or his counsel to copy or photograph any discovery materials or evidence the accused is permitted to inspect and review, including relevant police reports, criminal records, and body-worn camera footage, and requires the Commonwealth to provide such copies or photographs, electronically or otherwise, to the accused or his counsel, unless such material is prohibited from being distributed by law or impossible to provide by electronic means. The bill requires the attorney for the Commonwealth in any district court to provide to counsel of record for the accused, if requested, by electronic means a copy of any police report at least 10 days prior to the date the case is set for trial or preliminary hearing, provided that counsel of record agrees to any reasonable redaction or restricted dissemination as requested by the attorney for the Commonwealth. As introduced, this bill was a recommendation of the Virginia Indigent Defense Commission. This bill incorporates SB 1355 and is identical to HB 1630.