Labor and Commerce Committee Agenda
Chair: Ward, Jeion A.
Meeting Date & Time: 02/03/2026 ½ hour after adjournment of House Add to Calendar
Location: House Committee Room A - 008
Testimony/Comments: Sign up to speak or submit comments (opens in a new window)
Active item: Meeting Adjourned
Video: Archived
Committee Clerk: (804) 698-1546
DLS Contact: (804) 698-1816 (Ali) ; (804) 698-1838 (Kinzer)
SCC Presentation on Biennial Rate Review & Case No. PUR-2025-00058 (Final Order NOvember 25,2025)
SUB #2 REPORT
| Bill(s) | Patron | Title |
|---|---|---|
| HB260 | Simonds | Public service companies; prevailing wage rate for underground infrastructure work. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 3 of Title 40.1 an article numbered 1.2, consisting of sections numbered 40.1-28.13 through 40.1-28.16, relating to prevailing wage rate; underground infrastructure work; public service companies. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) and rereferred to Appropriations (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor with amendment and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 5-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N) • 7/21/2026 - Continued from last session Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB338 | Lopez | Service employees; authority of local governments, definition. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 5 of Chapter 9 of Title 15.2 a section numbered 15.2-988, relating to authority of local governments; service employees. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Read third time • 3/2/2026 - General Laws and Technology Amendments agreed to • 3/2/2026 - Engrossed by Senate as amended • 3/2/2026 - Passed Senate with amendments (21-Y 19-N 0-A) • 3/11/2026 - Signed by President Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB340 | Martinez | Migrant labor camp permits; removes expiration date. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 32.1-207 of the Code of Virginia, relating to migrant labor camp permits; expiration. Reported from Labor and Commerce (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/25/2026 - Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote) • 2/25/2026 - Passed by for the day • 2/26/2026 - Read third time • 2/26/2026 - Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A) • 3/3/2026 - Signed by President Related Bills: HB878 (Wachsmann) SB319 (Perry) Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB547 | Helmer | Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 15.2-947 of the Code of Virginia, relating to private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. Reported from Labor and Commerce (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/4/2026 - Read third time • 3/4/2026 - Read third time • 3/4/2026 - Local Government Substitute agreed to • 3/4/2026 - Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute • 3/4/2026 - Passed Senate with substitute (21-Y 19-N 0-A) Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends reporting (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB627 | Herring | Covenants not to compete; includes health care professionals, civil penalty. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 40.1-28.7:8 of the Code of Virginia, relating to covenants not to compete; health care professionals; civil penalty. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (20-Y 2-N)Yeas (20): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Ballard, Williams Nays (2): Wilt, Runion Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/5/2026 - Rules suspended • 3/5/2026 - Passed by for the day (Voice Vote) • 3/5/2026 - Passed by for the day • 3/6/2026 - Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote) • 3/6/2026 - Passed by for the day Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB670 | Maldonado | Labor & employment provisions; application of law, protection of employees, definition of employer. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 40.1-2, 40.1-2.1, and 40.1-27.4 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding sections numbered 40.1-22.2 and 40.1-29.01, relating to labor and employment provisions; application of law; protection of employees; definition of employer. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) and rereferred to Appropriations (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/16/2026 - Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) • 2/16/2026 - Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor • 3/9/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Mar 09, 2026 Elementary and Secondary Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB715 | Hope | Labor and employment; collective bargaining by certain constitutional officers. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend and reenact § 40.1-57.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to labor and employment; collective bargaining by certain constitutional officers.
Incorporated by Labor and Commerce (HB1263-Tran) (Voice Vote) Last actions:
Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote) |
||
| HB865 | Cousins | Workers' compensation; presumption of compensability for certain cancers. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend and reenact § 65.2-402 of the Code of Virginia, relating to workers' compensation; presumption of compensability for certain cancers. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) and rereferred to Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/23/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Feb 23, 2026 • 2/23/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N) • 2/23/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/4/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 04, 2026 • 3/4/2026 - Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 1-N) Compensation and Retirement Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting (7-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB923 | Lopez | Protection of employees; stay or pay contracts prohibited, civil penalty. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 3 of Title 40.1 a section numbered 40.1-28.7:12, relating to protection of employees; stay or pay contracts prohibited; civil penalty. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (16-Y 6-N)Yeas (16): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Wilt Nays (6): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/10/2026 - Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) • 2/10/2026 - Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor • 3/9/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Mar 09, 2026 Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 1-N) |
||
| HB949 | Lopez | Covenants not to compete; exceptions, civil penalty. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend and reenact § 40.1-28.7:8 of the Code of Virginia, relating to covenants not to compete prohibited; exceptions; civil penalty.
Continued to next session in Labor and Commerce (Voice Vote) Last actions:
Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee recommends continuing to (Voice Vote) |
||
| HB1207 | Sewell | Paid family & med. leave insurance program; definitions, notice requirements, civil action, report. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 38.2-107.2, 38.2-135, 38.2-316, and 38.2-1800 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 38.2-107.3 and by adding in Title 60.2 a chapter numbered 8, consisting of sections numbered 60.2-800 through 60.2-818, relating to paid family and medical leave insurance program established; notice requirements; civil action; penalty. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute and rereferred to Appropriations (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/4/2026 - Passed by for the day • 3/5/2026 - Read third time • 3/5/2026 - Passed by for the day • 3/6/2026 - Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote) • 3/6/2026 - Passed by for the day Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB1313 | Callsen | Workers' compensation; law-enforcement officers and firefighters, post-traumatic stress disorder. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 65.2-107 of the Code of Virginia, relating to workers' compensation. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/3/2026 - Committee substitute printed 26108109D-S1 • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute (14-Y 0-N) Compensation and Retirement Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7-Y 0-N) |
||
sUB #3 REPORT
| Bill(s) | Patron | Title |
|---|---|---|
| HB369 | Reid | Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program, zero-carbon electricity, etc. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 56-585.5 of the Code of Virginia, relating to electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard; zero-carbon electricity; accelerated clean energy buyers. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (20-Y 2-N)Yeas (20): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Ballard Nays (2): Runion, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/26/2026 - Read third time • 2/26/2026 - Commerce and Labor Substitute agreed to • 2/26/2026 - Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute • 2/26/2026 - Passed Senate with substitute Block Vote (40-Y 0-N 0-A) • 3/5/2026 - Signed by President Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (9-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB590 | Hernandez | Smart Solar Permitting Platform; established, residential solar energy systems. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 10, consisting of a section numbered 45.2-1735, relating to Smart Solar Permitting Platform established; residential solar energy systems; work group; report. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute and rereferred to Appropriations (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 6-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/3/2026 - Committee substitute printed 26108986D-S1 • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Reported from Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 4-N) Related Bills: SB382 (Surovell) Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB634 | Kilgore | Electric utilities; pilot programs for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend and reenact § 56-585.1:2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals; cost recovery for certain electrical facilities.
Incorporated by Labor and Commerce (HB1393-LeVere Bolling) (Voice Vote) Last actions:
Related Bills: SB253 (Lucas) Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends incorporating (Voice Vote) |
||
| HB889 | Shin | Transmission lines, certain; Department of Transportation to identify opportunities for siting. |
|
Summary: An Act to direct the Department of Transportation to identify opportunities for siting certain transmission lines in existing state highway rights-of-way; report. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/25/2026 - Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote) • 2/25/2026 - Passed by for the day • 2/26/2026 - Read third time • 2/26/2026 - Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A) • 3/3/2026 - Signed by President Related Bills: SB497 (Perry) Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (9-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB1073 | Rasoul | Advanced leak detection technologies; SCC shall establish standards for use by certain facilities. |
|
Summary: An Act to direct the State Corporation Commission to promulgate regulations establishing standards for the use of advanced leak detection technologies for intrastate natural gas distribution facilities operated by covered utilities. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Mar 02, 2026 • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Reported from Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N) Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (8-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB1089 | Webert | Va. Brownfield & Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund; increases kilowatt of nameplate capacity. |
|
Summary: A BILL to amend and reenact § 45.2-1725 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Brownfield and Coal Mine Renewable Energy Grant Fund. Reported from Labor and Commerce and rereferred to Appropriations (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Related Bills: SB415 (Peake) Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB1102 | Singh | Renewable energy portfolio standard program; energy from geothermal heating/cooling systems, report. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact §§ 56-576 and 56-585.5 of the Code of Virginia, relating to renewable energy portfolio standard program; geothermal heating and cooling systems; report. Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (21-Y 1-N)Yeas (21): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Nays (1): Webert Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/25/2026 - Passed by for the day • 2/26/2026 - Read third time • 2/26/2026 - Commerce and Labor Substitute agreed to • 2/26/2026 - Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute • 2/26/2026 - Passed Senate with substitute (24-Y 16-N 0-A) Related Bills: SB252 (Surovell) Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (9-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB1127 | Reid | Toll rate; increases State Corporation Commission duration and timeline for review. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 56-542 of the Code of Virginia, relating to State Corporation Commission; toll rate increases; duration and timeline for review. Reported from Labor and Commerce (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/10/2026 - Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) • 2/10/2026 - Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor • 3/9/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Mar 09, 2026 Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB1393 | LeVere Bolling | Electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend and reenact § 56-585.1:2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals; recovery for certain costs; revised tariff; securitization of certain costs; prevailing wage rate. Reported from Labor and Commerce with substitute (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 5-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/3/2026 - Committee substitute printed 26108998D-S1 • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Reported from Finance and Appropriations (12-Y 2-N) Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (7-Y 0-N) |
||
| HB1444 | Lopez | Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank; created, report, membership. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 1 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 3, consisting of sections numbered 45.2-114 through 45.2-122, relating to Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank; established; report. Reported from Labor and Commerce and rereferred to Appropriations (15-Y 7-N)Yeas (15): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar Nays (7): Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 3/2/2026 - Reported from Commerce and Labor with substitute and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (12-Y 1-N) • 3/2/2026 - Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations • 3/3/2026 - Committee substitute printed 26109003D-S1 • 3/6/2026 - Placed on Finance and Appropriations docket for Mar 06, 2026 • 3/6/2026 - Reported from Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N) Related Bills: SB225 (Surovell) Commerce, Agriculture and Natural Resources Subcommittee Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (5-Y 2-N) |
||
| HB1467 | Franklin, L.V. | Electric utilities; virtual power plant pilot program, Phase I Utilities. |
|
Summary: An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 56-585.1:17, relating to electric utilities; virtual power plant pilot program; Phase I Utilities. Reported from Labor and Commerce (22-Y 0-N)Yeas (22): Ward, Sullivan, Lopez, Convirs-Fowler, Helmer, Maldonado, Shin, LeVere Bolling, Feggans, Clark, Cousins, Anthony, Cohen, Singh, Nivar, Kilgore, O'Quinn, Webert, Wilt, Runion, Ballard, Williams Last actions:
Senate Committee Actions: • 2/10/2026 - Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) • 2/10/2026 - Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor • 3/9/2026 - Placed on Commerce and Labor docket for Mar 09, 2026 Subcommittee #3 Subcommittee recommends reporting (9-Y 0-N) |
||