UPDATE: Final Results from the 2026 Virginia General Assembly
April 23, 2026
13 bills. 13 signatures. Zero amendments. Zero vetoes.
Now that lawmakers have wrapped up the Reconvened Session of the Virginia General Assembly, Virginia REALTORS® is excited to report the significant wins and outcomes from this year’s legislative agenda.
Governor Abigail Spanberger signed every piece of Virginia REALTORS® legislative agenda that passed the General Assembly, capping a legislative session that delivered across the board for Virginia’s real estate professionals. As a reminder, here’s the legislative agenda that Governor Spanberger signed:
Protect Early Lease Termination for Military Personnel (HB174/SB325) —
Ensures servicemembers approaching retirement can exit a lease early without penalty. Passed both chambers unanimously. Effective July 1, 2026.
Deed Fraud Prevention (HB163/SB316) —
Strengthens protections against one of the fastest-growing threats to Virginia property owners through enhanced notary training, a free property alert notification system at local clerks’ offices, and tighter identity verification at key points in the transaction. Passed unanimously, with funding included in both the House and Senate budgets. Effective (in-part) July 1, 2026.
Limit Homeowner’s Insurance Cancellations Due to Roofing (HB677/SB402) —
Prohibits insurers from canceling or non-renewing coverage solely due to the age of an asphalt shingle roof. Passed unanimously. Your calls and emails through the member Call For Action made a difference on this one. Effective January 1, 2027.
Clarifying Septic Inspections (HB1178/SB401) —
Resolves ambiguities in last year’s septic inspector licensing law, clarifying what constitutes a “readily accessible” component, requiring written inspection reports within 10 business days, removed references to the MLS, and confirming that reports must address whether the system is functioning as intended. Passed unanimously. Effective July 1, 2026.
Increase Local Government Workforce Homeownership Grants (HB164/SB328) —
Removes the existing cap on homeownership grants localities can offer employees, giving communities greater flexibility to help recruit and retain teachers, public safety workers, and other essential employees. Passed with bipartisan support. Effective July 1, 2026.
REALTOR® License Plate Fee Modification (HB1339/SB204) —
Converts the REALTOR® specialty license plate to a revenue-sharing plate, directing proceeds to the Virginia REALTORS® Disaster Relief Fund. Passed unanimously. Effective July 1, 2026.
Studying the Real Estate Licensee Application Process (SB613) —
Requires DPOR to map its application processes and report bottlenecks and inefficiencies to the General Assembly. Passed unanimously as amended. Effective July 1, 2026.
Passing legislation is only half the job. Zero priority opposition bills passed the General Assembly this session. Among the notable stops this year: rent control proposals were defeated early before gaining traction, mandatory property disclosure bills were turned back, VRLTA rental fee modifications were tabled for summer study, and anti-development measures including impact fee expansions and adequate public facilities legislation were blocked. Each of these, had they passed, would have added costs, complications, confusion and/or constraints to housing development across Virginia.
One item remains unresolved: the state budget. The General Assembly has not yet sent a final budget to the Governor, and a special session continues that work. Your advocacy team is watching closely.
In case you missed it, here is a link to our full 2026 End of Session report. Make sure to watch for upcoming legal education content on what these and other new laws mean for your business!
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