Legislative Update

As the 2025 General Assembly session comes to a close, we wanted to update you on ACEC Virginia’s advocacy efforts on behalf of the engineering industry and provide some key highlights. Your support and engagement have been instrumental in advancing policies that protect and enhance our profession.

Session Overview

• Total Bills Considered: Over 2500 bills were introduced during the 2025 General Assembly session, with ACEC Virginia actively monitoring, supporting, or opposing key legislation impacting the engineering industry.
• Key Dates:
  • Session Start: January 8
  • Crossover: February 4
  • End of Session (Sine Die): February 22
  • Governor’s Action Deadline: March 24
  • Reconvened Session (To address vetoes/amendments): April 2

Legislative Highlights

✅ SB1188/HB1940 - DPOR Boards – International Licensure Process
Supported legislation for DPOR boards to create an international licensure process. APESCIDLA already has an international licensing process.

✅ HB1835 - Geologist Becoming Licensed Profession
Helped advocate for legislation recognizing geologists as a licensed profession.

✅ HB2154/SB1310 - Architects Pathway to Licensure Through Apprenticeship
Supported legislation for an apprenticeship pathway for architects.

✅ HB2503/SB1173 – Virginia Coordinate Systems Supported
Supported legislation updating Virginia’s coordinate system to align with federal survey standards.

✅ HB2000/SB857 - Dam Safety Legislation  
Ensured responsible regulatory adjustments for low-hazard dams to protect public safety while reducing unnecessary burdens.

✅ HB2509 - Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Board Established
Worked with the bill patron to ensure VPPA protections were included in this bill.

❌ HB2331 – Chesapeake Bay Preservation Areas; acceptance of signed & sealed plan in lieu of local plan review.
This bill proposed allowing a "licensed professional" to submit Chesapeake Bay land disturbance plans. ACEC Virginia had concerns over some language in this bill and worked with the bill patron to provide comments and edits.

❌ HB1791/SB1225 – Electric Vehicle Infrastructure
These bill worked to expand electric vehicle infrastructure in rural areas. The bills saw mixed results, with HB1791passing and SB1225 failing.

You can find the 2025 ACEC Virginia Bill Tracker here. 

Virginia Budget Highlights

The General Assembly passed budget amendments that are now awaiting Governor Glenn Youngkin's review. Some key provisions of the amended budget that may be of interest include:

• Taxes
  • A one-time rebate of $200 for individual tax filers and $400 for joint filers.
  • The standard deduction will increase by $250 for individuals and $500 for couples.
• Minimum Wage
  • Maintains a $15 minimum wage by 2027
• Disaster Mitigation for Qualified Communities
  • $50 million to help rebuild areas affected by natural disasters including Hurricane Helene
• Infrastructure Related:
  • $50 million for the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund
  • $40 million for Local Water Quality and Supply Projects
  • $20 million for Business Ready Sites Funding
  • $20 million for Department of Correction projects involving HVAC improvements and installations
  • $23 million for the Virginia Port Authority International Gateway Terminal
  • $12.25 million for GMU to address priority facility improvements
  • $8 million to address immediate flood protection measures to protect archeological and structural resources at Jamestown.
  • $6.5 million to Accomack County for a natural gas infrastructure expansion
  • $6 million for the City of Portsmouth Prentis Street transmission water main improvements project
  • $4.2 million for the City of Portsmouth Sanitary Sewer Pump Rehab
  • $3.3 million in funding for WMATA Operating Support
  • $2.5 million to support a project to create an Aviation Maintenance Technician Facility at Danville Community College.
  • $1.5 million to capitalize the Electric Vehicle Rural Infrastructure Fund
  • $1.3 million for the design and construction of a connecting walking Trail at Biscuit Run Park in Albemarle County
  • $1.2 million for the Occoquan Riverwalk Project
  • $1 million for the Town of Dumfries to support flood mitigation and restoration at Quantico Creek
  • $1 million for the Solar Interconnection Grant Program
  • $750,000 to support a capital project to create a Workforce Trades and Innovation Center at Paul D. Camp Community College
  • $500,000 for engineering and design to bring the Lake Barcroft Dam Flood Mitigation Project to "construction ready" status."
  • $325,000 for NOAA PORTS Sensor Stations
  • $250,000 for a VDOT Highway Equity Study
  • $200,000 in support for Hampton Roads Transit

The budget is currently a conference report that can be found here.

Once the governor signs the budget, an integrated document with amendments included will become available.

Ongoing Engagement

We are actively planning meetings with VDOT and VPRA to discuss the $2.5M cap on term contracts. We will also be working with the Geologists in their pursuit of becoming a professional service in Virginia.

Additionally, our work on the Minuteman Grant-funded Legislator Meet & Greets continues, ensuring our industry’s voice is heard by legislators.

Thank you for your continued support of ACEC Virginia’s advocacy efforts. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.