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.gov domain bill advances after debate over cybersecurity benefits and local transition costs

House Committee on General Laws, Professions, Occupations, and Administrative Process Subcommittee · February 6, 2026
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Summary

HB 707 would require verified domains (.gov, .edu and similar) for government websites and email to reduce spoofing and ransomware risks; supporters said the modest per‑domain cost buys security, while school systems and municipal groups warned migration could impose large transition costs and technical burdens. The subcommittee reported the substitute and referred the bill to Appropriations 5–3.

Delegate Hayes presented HB 707 (substitute) as a measure to strengthen identity and reduce fraud risk for Virginia government websites and email by requiring official entities to use verified domains such as .gov and .edu. The substitute delays required compliance until July 1, 2029, and the patron described the federal verification process for .gov as a short, reliable check that helps ensure authenticity.

Proponents, including Gordonsville Town…

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