2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101332D

SENATE BILL NO. 188

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 9, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 32.1 a section numbered 32.1-78.1, relating to Board of Health; Stillbirth Support Grant Program established.

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Patron—Williams Graves

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Referred to Committee on Education and Health

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Article 2 of Chapter 3 of Title 32.1 a section numbered 32.1-78.1 as follows:

§ 32.1-78.1. Stillbirth Support Grant Program.

A. As used in this section, "stillborn child" means a child (i) who suffered an unintended, intrauterine fetal death after a gestational period of 20 weeks; (ii) for whom a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth has been requested and issued pursuant to § 32.1-258.1; and (iii) whose death was not the result of an induced termination of the pregnancy.

B. With all funds appropriated for such purpose and any gifts, donations, grants, bequests, and other funds received on its behalf, the Stillbirth Support Grant Program (the Program) is hereby established to provide grants to individuals who deliver a stillborn child to assist with out-of-pocket expenses associated with such delivery. An application under this section shall be submitted within one year of such delivery of a stillborn child. The total value of a grant awarded to any such individual shall be $1,500. To apply for a grant as authorized by this section, the individual shall apply to the Board and attach to such application a Certificate of Birth Resulting in Stillbirth issued pursuant to § 32.1-258.1.

C. The Program shall be administered by the Board. The Board may issue guidelines for the administration of the Program as it deems appropriate. The Board shall establish procedures for grant applications and for determining amounts and prioritizing the award of such grants if the moneys appropriated to the Program are not sufficient to provide each applicant the full grant amount for which such applicant is eligible.