2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104248D

HOUSE BILL NO. 985

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2202.1, relating to local land use decision authority.

—————

Patron—Garrett

—————

Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns

—————

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 15.2-2202.1 as follows:

§ 15.2-2202.1. Local land use decisions not to be ceded to state agencies.

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, general or special, the authority for a locality's planning and land use decisions as granted by this chapter belongs solely to the locality and shall not be ceded to any state agency or state-sanctioned body.