Health committee advances wide slate of bills; most carry unanimously
February 13, 2026 | 2026 Legislature VA, Virginia
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The Virginia House Health and Human Services Committee cleared a broad set of health-related bills, reporting many measures with substitutes and sending multiple items to appropriations. Committee leadership grouped numerous measures into blocks for efficiency; most blocks and individual bills passed with unanimous or near‑unanimous votes.
Among the items advanced: a health‑professions block that included bills on peer recovery specialist hiring guidance, collaborative practice definitions and workforce development; HB605, which would require tiered minimum staffing standards in certified nursing facilities, was reported with substitute and referred to appropriations by a 21–0 vote; HB717, requiring a change‑of‑operator license when a nursing home's daily operations change hands, was reported 21–0.
The committee also advanced several behavioral health bills. HB392 (routine kidney cancer and sickle cell screening directives) and HB674 (collecting a fuel‑security survey module via the behavioral risk factor surveillance system) were both reported and referred to appropriations by unanimous votes.
A small number of items drew recorded opposition or abstentions. HB75 (allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in care facilities) passed the committee with a recorded vote of 18 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention after counsel clarified the bill defines an "eligible patient" as an adult with a confirmed terminal diagnosis. HB1318, the chair's bill concerning psychiatric emergency department provisions, passed 13–6–1 on a recorded vote. HB998 (menstrual product labeling) was amended to change terminology and add manufacturer compliance windows and a delayed effective date; it passed 16–5.
Other actions included striking HB851 at the patron's request and continuing HB1223 to 2027. The committee adjourned after completing its docket.
Votes at a glance (recorded votes called out in the transcript): HB1452 reported with substitute 21–0; health block reported 21–0; HB605 reported 21–0; HB717 reported 21–0; HB75 reported 18–2–1; HB602 reported 19–1–1; HB392 reported 21–0; HB674 reported 21–0; HB728 reported 19–2; HB998 reported 16–5; HB1067 reported 21–0; HB1318 reported 13–6–1; HB1223 continued to 2027.
Next steps: each reported bill will follow the House process (floor consideration and cross‑chamber handling as applicable); several measures were referred to appropriations for fiscal review.
Among the items advanced: a health‑professions block that included bills on peer recovery specialist hiring guidance, collaborative practice definitions and workforce development; HB605, which would require tiered minimum staffing standards in certified nursing facilities, was reported with substitute and referred to appropriations by a 21–0 vote; HB717, requiring a change‑of‑operator license when a nursing home's daily operations change hands, was reported 21–0.
The committee also advanced several behavioral health bills. HB392 (routine kidney cancer and sickle cell screening directives) and HB674 (collecting a fuel‑security survey module via the behavioral risk factor surveillance system) were both reported and referred to appropriations by unanimous votes.
A small number of items drew recorded opposition or abstentions. HB75 (allowing terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis in care facilities) passed the committee with a recorded vote of 18 yes, 2 no and 1 abstention after counsel clarified the bill defines an "eligible patient" as an adult with a confirmed terminal diagnosis. HB1318, the chair's bill concerning psychiatric emergency department provisions, passed 13–6–1 on a recorded vote. HB998 (menstrual product labeling) was amended to change terminology and add manufacturer compliance windows and a delayed effective date; it passed 16–5.
Other actions included striking HB851 at the patron's request and continuing HB1223 to 2027. The committee adjourned after completing its docket.
Votes at a glance (recorded votes called out in the transcript): HB1452 reported with substitute 21–0; health block reported 21–0; HB605 reported 21–0; HB717 reported 21–0; HB75 reported 18–2–1; HB602 reported 19–1–1; HB392 reported 21–0; HB674 reported 21–0; HB728 reported 19–2; HB998 reported 16–5; HB1067 reported 21–0; HB1318 reported 13–6–1; HB1223 continued to 2027.
Next steps: each reported bill will follow the House process (floor consideration and cross‑chamber handling as applicable); several measures were referred to appropriations for fiscal review.
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