What new laws are taking effect in Virginia? Here’s what Gov. Spanberger signed
RICHMOND, VA - JANUARY 08: The Virginia State Capitol is pictured on January 8, 2020 in Richmond, Virginia. The 2020 state legislative session began today under Democratic control. (Photo by Zach Gibson/Getty Images)
VIRGINIA - Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed the first major batch of bills from the 2026 General Assembly, focusing on lowering costs for housing, health care and energy.
What we know:
The newly signed legislation targets several key affordability issues, including prescription drug prices, housing availability and rising energy costs.
"No Virginian should ever have to choose between seeing their doctor, paying their rent or mortgage, or keeping their lights on," Spanberger said. "I am signing this legislation to respond to the real, pressing concerns I have heard from Virginia families across the Commonwealth about high costs — particularly at the pharmacy counter, in the housing market, and on their utility bills."
WILLIAMSBURG, VIRGINIA - FEBRUARY 24: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger delivers the Democratic response to U.S. President Donald Trump's State of the Union address on February 24, 2026 in Williamsburg, Virginia. Spanberger is serving in her first yea
Lowering prescription drug and health care costs
The new laws include SB669, which targets pharmacy benefit managers to prevent increases in prescription drug costs.
Other measures include SB405, aimed at expanding the health care workforce, and HB220 and SB630, which eliminate certain fees on health insurance premiums.
Lawmakers also passed HB60 to protect access to preventive care, including treatments like PrEP.
Boosting housing supply and affordability
On housing, HB1227 and SB729 support affordable housing development using the state’s bonding authority.
SB628 expands Virginia’s eviction reduction program, while HB655 and SB346 make it easier to build manufactured homes to increase supply.
Protecting ratepayers from rising energy costs
Energy-related laws include HB1191 and SB377, which aim to protect ratepayers from costs tied to high-energy users like data centers.
HB369 encourages investment in advanced energy technologies, while SB505 evaluates ways to shield customers from fuel cost spikes.
Additional measures like HB889 and SB497 streamline permitting for new transmission infrastructure.
Additional measures
HB94 expands vehicle registration fee exemptions for disabled veterans.
HB1180 and SB591 create a free state tax filing program for residents.
The backstory:
Spanberger has made affordability a central focus of her administration, including launching an "Affordable Virginia Agenda" aimed at lowering costs for families.
What's next:
The governor said she expects to take further action in the coming weeks as additional legislation reaches her desk.
Most of the newly signed laws are expected to take effect July 1, unless otherwise specified in the legislation.
The full list of legislation signed by Governor Spanberger is available here.
The Source: This article was written using information from the Office of the Governor of Virginia.