2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26104058D

SENATE BILL NO. 292

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 13, 2026

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-30.1, relating to local health directors; evaluation criteria; reports.

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Patron—Aird

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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 a section numbered 32.1-30.1 as follows:

§ 32.1-30.1. Local health directors; evaluation criteria; reports.

A. On or before October 1, 2026, the Commissioner shall establish evaluation criteria for each local health director heading a local health department pursuant to § 32.1-30. Such criteria shall include minimum performance standards required for each such local health director. Such minimum performance standards may include consideration of standardized public health outcomes, operational metrics, and equity indicators for each local health department. Such criteria may be updated annually or as needed.

B. The Commissioner shall evaluate each local health director on an annual basis using the criteria established pursuant to subsection A. The Commissioner shall issue to each such director a written evaluation report that includes findings of such evaluation. If such evaluation has a finding that minimum performance standards have not been met, the Commissioner shall issue a corrective plan for such local health director with such evaluation. Such plan shall include increased monitoring of such local health director and his local health department.

C. All written evaluation reports issued pursuant to subsection B wherein a corrective plan has also been issued along with such report shall also be submitted to the General Assembly.