Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB29

Introduced
12/17/25  
Refer
12/17/25  
Report Pass
2/6/26  
Engrossed
2/9/26  
Refer
2/11/26  
Report Pass
2/17/26  
Engrossed
2/20/26  
Enrolled
2/20/26  
Chaptered
2/20/26  

Caption

Budget Bill.

Impact

The bill is expected to significantly influence state laws regarding budgetary allocations and modifies existing statutes related to healthcare and social services. It enhances Medicaid provisions by allowing reimbursement for a variety of healthcare services that were previously not covered, such as mental health treatments and diabetes management supplies. The appropriation for developing child welfare systems also illustrates a forward-looking approach to social services that prioritizes child well-being and family support, potentially improving outcomes in those areas.

Summary

House Bill 29, known as the Budget Bill, is designed to allocate and amend state appropriations for the fiscal years ending June 30, 2025, and June 30, 2026. The bill facilitates funding for various state programs, including healthcare services, education initiatives, and infrastructure development, illustrating the government’s commitment to enhancing public services and infrastructure across the state. Notably, it includes provisions for funding related to the Department of Medical Assistance Services that aim to improve access to essential health services and enhancements in social services provision for vulnerable communities.

Sentiment

Discussions surrounding HB29 appear to be largely positive, with many lawmakers expressing satisfaction regarding the funding boost for crucial services like healthcare and education. However, there remains contention around the sufficiency of resources allocated to various programs, with some legislators advocating for more extensive funding to meet healthcare demands and support social services adequately. The sentiment reflects a balance between optimism for the new funding opportunities and concerns regarding long-term sustainability and effectiveness of the allocations.

Contention

In the legislative discussions, some points of contention arose around specific funding priorities within the bill, particularly in areas dealing with healthcare disparities and educational funding. Critics expressed that certain programs may not receive adequate attention or resources, which could perpetuate existing inequalities. The allocation for infrastructure development also became a focal point, as some legislators urged for a more strategic approach in prioritizing projects that would yield long-term benefits to the community rather than short-term fixes.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA SB800

Budget Bill.

VA HB1600

Budget Bill.

VA HB2571

State of emergency; spending authority during budgetary lapse.

VA SB1321

Retail Sales and Use Tax; exempts gold, silver, or platinum bullion, extends sunset.

VA HB2336

Retail Sales and Use Tax; exempts gold, silver, or platinum bullion, extends sunset.

VA SB617

Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority; budget, operating assistance.

VA HB2487

Sales and use tax, additional local; school capital projects in Gloucester County.

VA HB540

Sales and use tax; exemption for food purchased for human consumption & essential personal hygiene.

VA SB1172

RS & UT; food for human consumption and essential personal hygiene products, delayed effective date.

VA HB2006

RS and UT; food purchased for human consumption and essential personal hygiene products.

Similar Bills

MD SB282

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB390

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2027)

MD HB350

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

MD SB319

Budget Bill (Fiscal Year 2026)

PA HB1330

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of certain agencies of the Executive Department for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.

PA SB160

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB280

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2024.

PA SB1161

To provide appropriations from the General Fund for the expenses of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial Departments of the Commonwealth, the public debt and the public schools for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide appropriations from special funds and accounts to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; to provide for the appropriation of Federal funds to the Executive and Judicial Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2027, and for the payment of bills remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2026; and to provide for the additional appropriation of Federal and State funds to the Executive and Legislative Departments for the fiscal year July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and for the payment of bills incurred and remaining unpaid at the close of the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025.