House passes dozens of bills in broad sweep; housing, education, environment measures included
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Summary
During a busy Feb. 9 session the Virginia House advanced and passed many bills across categories — from landlord-tenant reforms and renewable energy to changes in professional licensing and education standards — mostly by voice or recorded votes noted on the calendar; several high-profile items were taken up for discussion.
RICHMOND — The Virginia House of Delegates cleared a large portion of its calendar on Feb. 9, 2026, approving dozens of bills across housing, education, natural resources, judicial, and professional regulation subjects.
The chamber processed an uncontested third-reading block and a long list of regular-calendar items. Examples of bills the House passed during the session include:
- House Bill 281 (landlord–tenant: noncompliance defense to possession actions for nonpayment of rent) — passed by voice with the clerk recording 64 ayes and 34 noes.
- House Bill 369 (electric utilities; renewable energy portfolio standard / accelerated clean energy buyers) — passed with 94 ayes and 3 noes.
- House Bill 452 (practices of radiologic technology) — passed with 76 ayes and 20 noes.
- House Bill 870 (Board of Accountancy; licensing inactive/emeritus status) — passed with 97 ayes and 1 no.
Delegates also approved legislation affecting environmental management, such as bills directing the Department of Conservation and Recreation to include wetlands GIS layers in coastal resilience planning and requiring the Virginia Marine Resources Commission to develop diamondback terrapin protection areas and bycatch reduction strategies for recreational crab pots.
Many measures were adopted as committee substitutes or with committee amendments; where recorded tallies were provided the clerk read the vote totals into the record. The House also adopted numerous memorial and commending resolutions in block and recognized a range of community and organizational visitors seated in the gallery.
What’s next: Several bills were engrossed and passed to their third reading, and others were referred to committees as indicated on the calendar. The House adjourned with a reconvening set for noon the next day.