STATE BILLVA HB 950PASSED

Unmanned aircraft systems; use by public bodies, search warrant required, exceptions.

Use of unmanned aircraft systems by public bodies; search warrant required; exceptions. Adds the Department of Environmental Quality to the list of exceptions to the warrant requirement for the use of an unmanned aircraft system by public bodies for the implementation and civil enforcement of the Virginia Water Resources and Wetlands Protection Program, the Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Act, and erosion and sediment control in localities without a Virginia Erosion and Stormwater Management Program against a permittee.

Status: Passed; Signed or otherwise enacted
Status date: Apr 6, 2026; 220 days ago
Current chamber: House of Delegates
Session: 2026 Regular Session

VA HB 950 · PassedApr 6

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Bill details

Last action: Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0245) · Apr 6, 2026

Sponsor

ALAlfonso LopezRepresentative · Democrat · HD-003Primary sponsor

Bill history

Newest first.

Apr 6, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0245)

Apr 6, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 245 (effective 7/1/2026)

Mar 10, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026

Mar 10, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026House

Mar 9, 2026Signed by PresidentSenate

Mar 9, 2026Signed by SpeakerHouse

Mar 9, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB950)House

Mar 9, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB950ER)House

Show 21 earlier actions

Mar 9, 2026EnrolledHouse

Mar 2, 2026Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)Senate

Mar 2, 2026Read third timeSenate

Feb 27, 2026Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)Senate

Feb 27, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)Senate

Feb 27, 2026Rules suspendedSenate

Feb 25, 2026Reported from Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N 1-A)Senate

Feb 16, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB950)House

Feb 11, 2026Referred to Committee for Courts of JusticeSenate

Feb 11, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)Senate

Feb 10, 2026Read third time and passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)House

Feb 9, 2026Engrossed by House as amendedHouse

Feb 9, 2026committee amendments agreed toHouse

Feb 9, 2026Read second timeHouse

Feb 6, 2026Read first timeHouse

Feb 4, 2026Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s) (15-Y 7-N)House

Feb 3, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB950)House

Jan 28, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 3-N)House

Jan 23, 2026Assigned HCJ sub: CriminalHouse

Jan 13, 2026Referred to Committee for Courts of JusticeHouse

Jan 13, 2026Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26102887DHouse

Recorded votes

Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 3-N)Jan 28, 2026 · House · 6 yea · 3 nayPassed

Reported from Courts of Justice with amendment(s) (15-Y 7-N)Feb 4, 2026 · House · 15 yea · 7 nayPassed

Read third time and passed House (63-Y 35-N 0-A)Feb 10, 2026 · House · 63 yea · 35 nayPassed

Reported from Courts of Justice (14-Y 0-N 1-A)Feb 25, 2026 · Senate · 14 yea · 0 nayPassed

Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 2nd reading) (37-Y 0-N 0-A)Feb 27, 2026 · Senate · 37 yea · 0 nayPassed

Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)Mar 2, 2026 · Senate · 40 yea · 0 nayPassed

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