FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE from VMA's consultant, Kemper Consulting
February 17, 2026
Virginia General Assembly Mid-point Update
February 17, marks “Crossover” — the final day for the House of Delegates to act on House bills and for the Senate to act on Senate bills. The budget bill is the only exception to this rule.
To date, the General Assembly has passed legislation on several high-profile issues, including the Congressional redistricting initiative described below. Governor Spanberger and Democratic leadership in both chambers continue advancing their affordability agenda, including measures addressing affordable housing, prescription drug costs, and energy prices. The House and Senate have also passed legislation to raise the minimum wage and establish paid family and medical leave and paid sick leave.
Over the next month, legislators will reconcile differences on several significant proposals, including collective bargaining for public employees, data center energy use and related impacts, gaming, and the establishment of a retail cannabis marketplace.
Budget Update
As a reminder, former Governor Youngkin introduced a proposed 2026–28 biennial budget and amendments to the 2024–26 “Caboose” budget before leaving office.
On Sunday, February 22, the House Appropriations Committee and the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee will release their respective proposed budget amendments. Budget conferees will then be appointed to negotiate a final spending agreement, which must be approved by both chambers before the scheduled adjournment on March 14.
Kemper Consulting will follow up directly with clients regarding specific budget items of interest.
Legislative Process Update
Earlier today, both chambers completed action on their own bills ahead of the Crossover deadline. Beginning tomorrow, the House will consider Senate bills, and the Senate will take up House bills. As noted above, the budget follows a separate timeline, with Money Committees releasing their proposed amendments on February 22.
Key Session Dates
- Crossover: Tuesday, February 17 – Last day for House and Senate bills to pass their chamber of origin
- Amended House and Senate Budgets Released: Sunday, February 22
- Last Day for Committee Meetings: Monday, March 9
- Session Adjournment (Sine Die): Saturday, March 14
- Reconvened Session: Wednesday, April 22, 2026 – The General Assembly returns to consider gubernatorial amendments and vetoes
Redistricting Overview
The General Assembly passed a constitutional amendment and a new Congressional map on party-line votes. The measures would allow mid-decade redistricting and could shift Virginia’s U.S. House delegation from 6 Democrats and 5 Republicans to a projected 10 Democrats and 1 Republican ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Republican leadership filed suit to block the amendment.
Initial Court Ruling (January 27, 2026)
A Tazewell County Circuit Court judge ruled that the redistricting amendment was not properly before the voters. The court found procedural violations and determined that the resolution did not comply with state requirements governing the posting of constitutional amendments.
Appeal
Democratic Leadership appealed to the Virginia Court of Appeals, and the Attorney General joined the case on behalf of the Commonwealth. Given the time-sensitive nature of the matter, the Court of Appeals requested that the Virginia Supreme Court (SCOVA) take the case directly.
Supreme Court Order (February 13, 2026)
The Virginia Supreme Court agreed to fast-track the case. Importantly, the Court allowed the referendum process to move forward while it considers the legal merits, meaning voting may proceed before a final ruling is issued.
Redistricting Key Dates
- March 6, 2026: Early voting begins
- March 23, 2026: Democrats’ opening briefs due to SCOVA
- April 13, 2026: Republicans’ response briefs due
- April 21, 2026: Special referendum on the redistricting amendment
- April 23, 2026: Reply briefs due to SCOVA
Oral arguments have not yet been scheduled, and no final ruling date has been set.