Zoning; by-right multifamily development. Requires local zoning ordinances to permit, on any parcel with an existing tree canopy coverage of at less than 60 percent, located within a city or town having a population of more than 20,000 or within a designated metropolitan planning area, multifamily and mixed-use residential development as a by-right use on at least 75 percent of all land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications, including any land contained in commercial or business zoning district classifications that allow for the by-right development and construction of single-family residential uses. The bill stipulates that any application for a proposed development authorized pursuant to the bill shall be reviewed and acted upon administratively by a locality. The bill prohibits a locality from (i) requiring that a special exception, special use, or conditional use permit be obtained for such development or (ii) imposing more stringent land use requirements, enumerated in the bill, for such development than would otherwise be required. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2027.
Sponsored bills
Income tax credit; braille labeling program. Creates a nonrefundable individual and corporate income tax credit, as applicable, for taxable years 2026 through 2030 for up to $50,000 of expenditures incurred in the development and implementation of a braille labeling program on products, items, or packages sold in or shipped within the Commonwealth. The bill specifies that the aggregate amount of such credits allowed for all taxpayers in a taxable year is $500,000 and that any credit not usable for the taxable year in which it is first allowed shall not be carried over for credit in any succeeding taxable year.
Virginia African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous Education Advisory Board established; report. Creates the Virginia African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous Education Advisory Board (the Board) to advise the Governor and General Assembly on current ways that history for such populations is described in relevant Standards of Learning and curriculum frameworks, how such content is taught in classrooms, and strategies to develop African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous history and social studies elective courses. The bill requires the Board to submit an annual report to the Governor and General Assembly. Additionally, the bill requires the Board to meet at least once prior to December 31, 2027. Finally, the bill contains a sunset date of July 1, 2030.
Additional local sales and use tax to support schools; referendum. Authorizes all counties and cities to impose an additional local sales and use tax at a rate not to exceed one percent with the revenue used only for capital projects for the construction or renovation of schools if such levy is approved in a voter referendum. The bill removes the requirement that such a tax must have an expiration date on either (i) the date of the repayment of any bonds or loans used for such capital projects or (ii) a date chosen by the governing body. Under current law, only Charlotte, Gloucester, Halifax, Henry, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Patrick, and Pittsylvania Counties and the City of Danville are authorized to impose such a tax.
Board of Education; feasibility of establishing Virginia African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous Education Advisory Board; evaluation; report. Directs the Board of Education to evaluate and submit a report to the Governor and the Chairs of the Senate Committee on Education and Health and the House Committee on Education by November 1, 2026, a report on the feasibility and most appropriate manner of establishing a Virginia African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous Education Advisory Board to advise the Governor and the General Assembly on describing in the relevant Standards of Learning framework, providing instruction on, and developing elective courses in African American, Asian American, Pacific Islander, Latino, and Indigenous history.
Commercial use of fully autonomous vehicles. Provides requirements for the operation of fully autonomous vehicles operated to transport property or passengers in furtherance of a commercial enterprise. The bill requires persons operating such fully autonomous vehicles to receive autonomous operation licenses prior to such operation in the Commonwealth.
Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 130) honors the life and legacy of Eddie L. Radden, Jr., a specific individual. It is a non-binding commemorative measure passed by both the Senate and House in 2026, expressing collective recognition for his contributions. The resolution does not create new laws or affect any policies or groups.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (not a substantive bill) honoring the late Barnie Keith Day. It formally celebrates his life and contributions, as specified in the title and abstract. The resolution was approved by both the Senate and House in early 2026 and now awaits final enactment. It does not create new laws, change policies, or directly affect any individuals or groups.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 120) that formally commends the Virginia Outdoors Foundation for its work. It does not create new laws or affect policy; it is a symbolic gesture recognizing the organization's contributions. The bill passed both chambers via voice vote in early March 2026 and was referred to the Speaker's table for final processing. As a procedural resolution, it has no direct impact on legislation or constituents.
Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 106) commending Curtis Allen for his contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is solely a formal expression of recognition. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Senate (via voice vote on 2026-02-26) and House (via voice vote on 2026-03-02). It is a non-binding gesture with no practical impact on legislation or constituents.