House Appropriations Committee reports dozens of bills across health, education and commerce; two measures tabled

The House Approations Committee met in session to consider a broad docket of bills covering education, health and human resources, commerce, general government, higher education and transportation. Committee members reported the large majority of bills out of committee by recorded voice votes; two bills were tabled after roll-call votes.

Most actions were procedural reports of House bills to the next stage of the legislative process. Examples include bills directing state agencies to study or implement programs (for example, bills directing the Department of Medical Assistance Services to examine presumptive Medicaid eligibility for pregnant individuals and to study optional benefits for sickle cell disease), bills creating advisory bodies (including a Virginia Forensic Nursing Advisory Council and a Women’s Health Commission), and bills adjusting licensure or coverage requirements for health services and providers (including bills related to nursing home sanctions, psychiatric emergency departments, and reimbursement parity for certified midwives).

Why it matters: the committee’s actions advance or pause a range of policy…