2026 SESSION

ENROLLED

VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY -- CHAPTER

An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 8 of Title 36 a section numbered 36-140.02, relating to Department of Housing and Community Development; Eviction Reduction Program; report.

[S 628]

Approved

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Chapter 8 of Title 36 a section numbered 36-140.02 as follows:

§ 36-140.02. Eviction Reduction Program; report.

A. The Eviction Reduction Program (the Program) is established to expand the work of the Department in (i) promoting housing stability, (ii) identifying factors that contribute to eviction filings, (iii) providing interventions to prevent or divert evictions, and (iv) supporting eviction prevention and diversion efforts across the Commonwealth consistent with this section.

B. On or before October 1 of each year, the Department shall report to the General Assembly on (i) the number of households served, including the number of children younger than the age of 18 in the households served, and the outcomes for such households; (ii) the types of assistance provided; (iii) the geographic distribution of the Program; (iv) the number of households served that successfully completed the Eviction Diversion Program pursuant to § 55.1-1260; and (v) any legislative recommendations to help further the goals of the Program.

C. Nothing in this section shall be construed to impair or affect any rights, obligations, or actions taken by the Department pursuant to the Program prior to the enactment of the provisions under this section.

2. That the Department of Housing and Community Development (the Department) shall develop guidelines and criteria necessary to administer the Eviction Reduction Program established pursuant to § 36-140.02 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act, in consultation with stakeholders, including Eviction Reduction Program grantees as identified by the Department. Such criteria and guidelines shall be included in the report required pursuant to subsection B of § 36-140.02 of the Code of Virginia, as created by this act.