2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26103284D

HOUSE BILL NO. 321

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 11, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.2-102.1, relating to Agricultural Workforce Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program established; report.

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Patron—Glass

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Referred to Committee on Rules

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.2-102.1 as follows:

§ 3.2-102.1. Agricultural Workforce Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program; report.

A. As used in this section:

"Agricultural operation" means the same as that term is defined in § 3.2-300.

"Agricultural workforce" means any individual, or employee of such individual, engaged in an agricultural operation.

"Program" means the Agricultural Workforce Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program established pursuant to this section.

B. The Department shall establish and administer the Agricultural Workforce Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Program to support the mental health and well-being of the agricultural workforce in the Commonwealth. The Program shall:

1. Increase public awareness of mental health and suicide prevention resources available to the agriculture workforce;

2. Provide access to culturally and contextually appropriate mental health services, including crisis intervention; and

3. Address mental health challenges arising from natural disasters, economic hardship, and industry-specific stressors affecting the agricultural workforce in the Commonwealth.

C. In administering the Program, the Department shall:

1. Develop and implement a statewide public awareness campaign on suicide prevention tailored to the agricultural workforce;

2. Make and enter into contracts with nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated expertise in providing rural or agricultural mental health support to establish a confidential crisis support hotline specific to the experiences of the agricultural workforce;

3. Coordinate with the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services and other state agencies to align mental health and crisis response efforts with existing state services, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline;

4. Develop mental wellness plans addressing the effects of natural disasters and agricultural disruptions; and

5. Collect and analyze data on the effectiveness of the Program and use such data to provide recommendations for legislative or regulatory changes if needed.

D. The Department shall submit a report on the Program's progress, including data collected and any recommendations, to the Chairmen of the House Committee on Agriculture, Chesapeake and Natural Resources and Senate Committee on Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources by September 1, 2027, and biennially thereafter.

E. The Board may adopt regulations as necessary to carry out the provisions of this section.