House approves dozens of Senate bills on third reading; measures on cannabis, housing, health and guns advance

The Virginia House of Delegates on Feb. 14 voted to pass a broad package of Senate bills on third reading, carrying measures on cannabis regulation, housing and landlord-tenant rules, health and human services, transportation financing and multiple proposals related to firearms and public-safety policy.

The votes came as the body worked through the daily printed calendar during the morning session. Several bills passed with recorded roll calls and were accompanied by brief sponsor remarks or committee substitutes; others were carried in uncontested blocks. The session also included routine introductions, ceremonial resolutions and personal-privilege remarks.

Votes at a glance (selected bills passed and key details):

- SB 970 (retail cannabis market): Establishes a regulatory retail cannabis market for adults 21 and older. Passed (Ayes 53, Noes 44).

- SB 812 (Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act — eviction timeline): Increases the period renters have to pay past-due rent before eviction proceedings begin from 5 to 14 days. Passed (Ayes 50, Noes 47).

- SB 1020 (SNAP restaurant-meals program reporting — Dept. of Social Services): Directs the Department of Social Services to report on the restaurant meals program, including participating restaurants and barriers; report due Dec. 1, 2025. Passed (Ayes 81, Noes 16).

- SB 700 / SB 780 (health insurance contraceptive coverage; committee amendment adopted): Removes copays for contraceptives to increase access. Passed (Ayes 67, Noes 30).

- SB 801 (Children’s Services Act — state pool of funds): Makes changes to the state pool funding for services for troubled youth. Passed (Ayes 97, Noes 0).

- SB 850 (water/wastewater infrastructure cost recovery): Creates a regulatory environment for utilities to attract capital for infrastructure.…