Virginia 2026 Regular Session

Virginia House Bill HB135

Introduced
1/3/26  
Refer
1/3/26  
Report Pass
1/23/26  
Engrossed
1/28/26  
Refer
1/30/26  
Report Pass
2/23/26  
Enrolled
3/2/26  
Chaptered
3/31/26  

Caption

An Act to amend and reenact the second enactment of Chapter 100 of the Acts of Assembly of 2025, relating to Virginia Code Commission; subdivision plats work group.

Impact

The bill's implementation is expected to simplify and streamline the process of submitting and approving subdivision plats and site plans which could lead to more efficient development practices within Virginia. By standardizing terminology and clarifying procedural steps, the bill aims to reduce ambiguity and the likelihood of misinterpretation, ultimately benefiting developers and local governments. Additionally, the work group is tasked with identifying and eliminating redundant provisions within the Code to further improve its usability.

Summary

House Bill 135 seeks to amend and reenact regulations concerning subdivision plats and site plans in Virginia. The bill establishes a work group under the Virginia Code Commission that brings together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Home Builders Association of Virginia and the Virginia Association for Commercial Real Estate. The aim of this group is to review existing provisions within the Virginia Code, focusing on enhancing clarity and usability regarding the approval processes for subdivision plats and site plans.

Sentiment

Overall, the sentiment surrounding HB 135 appears to be positive among stakeholders involved. There is a recognition of the need for clearer regulations, especially in the face of varying interpretations of existing laws. The collaborative approach taken by the bill, which includes input from multiple sectors, also contributes to its favorable reception. Developers and local municipalities alike are likely to see this as a means of fostering better communication and efficiency within regulatory practices.

Contention

While the general sentiment is supportive, there may be underlying concerns related to how these changes will specifically affect the local governance and planning autonomy. Critics could raise issues regarding the adequacy of stakeholder representation and the potential for these regulatory revisions to overlook local specificities that are critical for community-focused planning. Nevertheless, the expectation is that the benefits of streamlined regulations will outweigh these potential points of contention.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

VA HB1903

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority; Virginia Nursing Workforce Center established; reporting and monitoring of health care workforce programs; residency slots; work group; report.

VA HB2660

Subdivision ordinance; shortens timeframe for local approvals.

VA HB33

Public drinking water; Commissioner of Health's work group to study occurrence of microplastics.

VA HB1618

Commissioner of Health; work group to study the occurrence of microplastics in the Commonwealth's public drinking water; report.

VA HB2499

Comprehensive plan; subdivision ordinance, local approvals, report.

VA HB1763

Virginia Freedom of Information Act; virtual meetings; advisory boards, commissions, and councils.

VA HB1739

General Assembly Military and Veterans Commission established.

VA HB512

Conservatorship; Judicial Council of Virginia to convene work group to study.

VA SB1063

College and Career Ready Virginia Program; changes to Program and duties of certain entities.

VA HB1838

General Assembly Conflicts of Interests Act; definition of "gift."

Similar Bills

VA SJR275

Confirming Governor's appointments; August 1.

VA SJR70

Governor; confirming appointments.

VA SJ70

Confirming appointments by the Governor of certain persons communicated to the General Assembly August 13, 2025.

VA SJR273

Governor; confirming appointments.

VA SJR274

Confirming Governor's appointments; October 1.

VA SJR286

Confirming Governors appointments; December 1.

VA SJR69

Governor; confirming appointments.

VA SJ69

Confirming appointments by the Governor of certain persons communicated to the General Assembly October 1, 2025.