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Senate committee backs language-access measure for licensing exams

Senate General Laws and Technology Committee · February 18, 2026

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Summary

The committee reported House Bill 165 to allow certain licensing exams to be offered in additional languages (limited to the 50 most common) to expand access to regulated professions, with support from contractors and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce.

Delegate Talia Thomas presented House Bill 165 as a limited language-access bill to permit some professional and occupational licensing exams to be offered in additional languages, citing the need to expand the skilled-trades workforce.

Thomas said the measure would allow qualified applicants to take exams in their language without changing substantive legal standards. Representatives for the general contractors of Virginia and the Virginia Chamber of Commerce testified in support, saying the change could help address workforce shortages in construction and other trades.

The committee adopted the amendments and recorded a roll-call on the motion to report as amended (Ayes 12, No 0, 2 abstentions). The bill will proceed to the next steps required by the Senate.