2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26101074D

SENATE BILL NO. 578

Offered January 14, 2026

Prefiled January 14, 2026

A BILL to amend and reenact § 54.1-600 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; auctioneers; definition.

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Patron—Reeves

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Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology

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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 54.1-600 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 54.1-600. Definitions.

As used in this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:

"Absolute auction" means an auction where, at the time of the auction sale, the real or personal property to be sold will pass to the highest bidder regardless of the amount of the highest and last bid.

"Auction" means the in person or online sale of goods or real estate by means of exchanges between an auctioneer and members of his audience, the exchanges consisting of a series of invitations for offers made by the auctioneer, offers made by members of the audience, and acceptance by the auctioneer of the highest or most favorable offer.

"Auctioneer" means any person who conducts or offers to conduct an auction.

"Auction firm" means any corporation, partnership, or entity, except a sole proprietorship, performing any of the acts of an auctioneer as defined in this section.

"Auctioneer" means any person who conducts or offers to conduct an auction.

"Board" means the Auctioneers Board.

"Director" means the Director of the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation.

"Goods" means any chattels, merchandise, real or personal property, or commodities of any form or type which may be lawfully kept or offered for sale.

"Person" means any natural person, association, partnership, or corporation, and the officers, directors, and employees of a corporation.

"Virginia licensed auctioneer" means any auctioneer who meets the requirements for licensure as prescribed by the Board.