General Assembly

The Virginia General Assembly meets annually, beginning on the second Wednesday in January, for 60 days in even-numbered years and 30 days in odd-numbered years, with an option to extend annual sessions for a maximum of 30 days. Because the General Assembly moves very fast, PEC tracks a number of bills and provides comments throughout each session. Please sign up for our email alerts and follow us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter for the most recent updates.

Not sure who your state delegate and senator are? Visit Who’s My Legislator? to find out.

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Tracked Bills

Framework for Data Center Reform

More than 25 organizations across Virginia, including PEC, have formed the Virginia Data Center Reform Coalition to urge state lawmakers to study the cumulative effects of data center development across Virginia, and to institute several reforms for the industry. If the Virginia General Assembly fails to take action, unchecked data center expansion will have a disastrous impact on ratepayers, our communities and the environment.

Four pillars make up the framework of the Coalition’s advocacy for responsible action and robust reform. In 2025, several bills were introduced to the Virginia General Assembly thanks to direct legislative and community mobilization action from organizations like PEC and our partners. Read more about the Four Pillars and related data center legislation this General Assembly session in our post.

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Legislative Updates

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Action Alert: Study on the Sale of Invasive Plants in Virginia

Contact your legislators now and ask them to vote for legislation which will help guide Virginia in controlling the sale of invasive plants …
virginia state capitol

Virginia’s Virtual General Assembly Session Kicks Off January 13

A shortened, fast-moving General Assembly session makes your voice all the more critical.Read more …
| | General Assembly
What Does 2021 Hold for Conservation?

What Does 2021 Hold for Conservation?

The 2020 Special Session, focused on resolving budget issues stemming from Covid and addressing police and criminal justice reform, has ended just in time for the holidays. But as in the movie Groundhog Day, now …
Webinar: Keeping Land in the Family

Webinar: Keeping Land in the Family

Learn more about the new Heirs’ Property Act in Virginia and what it means for families who share ownership of land or have inherited land without a will …
Support Conservation Funding and Programs

Support Conservation Funding and Programs

Thank legislators for supporting VLCF funding and remind them of the importance of all of our state conservation programs in 2021. Learn More & Take Action …
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General Assembly Special Session Update

Beginning on Aug 18, the Virginia General Assembly entered a special session to focus on budget impacts related to the pandemic and calls for criminal justice and policing reforms as local and national unrest continued …
Take Action: Ask Your Delegate to Oppose SB 5106

Take Action: Ask Your Delegate to Oppose SB 5106

PEC is asking that you contact your Delegate and request that they oppose Senate Bill 5106. This legislation would extend the sunset date for various local land use approvals (plats, rezonings, special use permits and …
Special Call to Action for a Special Session

Special Call to Action for a Special Session

Covid-19 has driven home the vital connection between environmental protection and public health. Virginia’s budget should prioritize parks, trails and open spaces, restore water quality and strengthen our local food systems …
| | General Assembly
Virginia State Capitol

So Many Bills, So Little Time

It is March, a time when most people eagerly await the end of winter and embrace the first signs of spring. For me, the spring also marks the end of long days and nights spent …
Crossover Update

Crossover Update

Wednesday marked the halfway point of Virginia’s 2020 General Assembly Session, a date known as ‘crossover.’ The House and Senate have each finished voting on the bills their members put forward, and now move on …
| | General Assembly