On January 27, 2025, the Virginia House of Delegates introduced HB2046, a legislative bill aimed at assessing the impact of new compliance requirements on local governments across the Commonwealth. The bill mandates the Chief Information Officer (CIO) of Virginia to convene a work group composed of various stakeholders, including representatives from local government associations, law enforcement, and educational institutions, to evaluate the feasibility of these requirements.

The work group will include members from the Virginia Association of Counties, the Virginia Municipal League, the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and the Virginia Association of Commonwealth's Attorneys, among others. This diverse representation is intended to ensure that the perspectives of different localities and sectors are considered. The CIO is tasked with submitting a report detailing the findings of this work group to the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) by December 1, 2025.

The bill stipulates that the provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026, allowing time for the work group to conduct its examination and for local governments to prepare for any changes that may arise from the findings.

While the bill has not sparked significant controversy, it does raise important questions about the capacity of local governments to adapt to new regulations and the potential financial implications of compliance. Experts suggest that the outcomes of the work group’s findings could lead to either streamlined processes or additional burdens on localities, depending on the recommendations made.

As the legislative process unfolds, stakeholders will be closely monitoring the work group’s progress and the eventual report to JCOTS, which could shape the future of local governance in Virginia. The implications of HB2046 may extend beyond compliance, influencing how local governments allocate resources and manage technology in the coming years.