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HJ 454

Automation of ports in the Commonwealth; JLARC to study economic and workforce impacts.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony

JLARC will study how port automation could affect jobs, wages, and communities, exploring hybrid models and workforce upskilling to balance efficiency and stability.

Left in Rules
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Bill Summary · HJ 454

Summary: HJ 454 — Automation of ports in the Commonwealth; JLARC to study economic and workforce impacts

Overview

House Joint Resolution 454 directs the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) to study the economic and workforce impacts of port automation within the Commonwealth. The resolution was introduced in early January 2025 and is currently left in Rules. The study emphasizes data-driven analysis and collaboration with academic and policy experts to inform future policy decisions related to port automation.

Purpose and intent

  • Assess the potential economic and social effects of increased automation in Commonwealth port operations.
  • Explore how automation could affect jobs, workforce needs, and community economic stability.
  • Inform legislative decisions by providing a data-driven evaluation of benefits and risks associated with port automation.

Key provisions and study scope

JLARC is tasked to collaborate with:
- Modeling and Simulation Advisory Board
- College of Engineering and Technology at Old Dominion University
- Department of Political Science and School of Social Work at Norfolk State University

The study shall address:
- (i) Economic and social impacts, including job displacement and workforce development needs; effects on community economic stability.
- (ii) Feasibility of hybrid automation models that combine advanced technology with human oversight to enhance efficiency and safety.
- (iii) Workforce transition strategies and upskilling programs for current and future port workers.
- (iv) Best practices and policy recommendations from other states and countries navigating automation in critical industries without undue negative effects on employment or communities.
- (v) Long-term sustainability and competitiveness of Commonwealth ports in a more automated global supply chain.

All Commonwealth agencies are expected to assist JLARC as needed.

Affected parties and implications

  • Port workers and communities dependent on port-related employment.
  • Port operations and industry stakeholders within the Commonwealth.
  • policymakers evaluating potential automation investments, labor policies, and workforce development programs.

Timeline and procedural notes

  • Meetings to be completed by November 30, 2025.
  • JLARC chair must submit an executive summary of findings and recommendations to the Division of Legislative Automated Systems no later than the first day of the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Executive summary must indicate whether the Commission intends to publish a full report as a House or Senate document.
  • Reports and summaries will be processed by the Division of Legislative Automated Systems and posted on the General Assembly website.
  • Status: Left in Rules (as of the latest action).

Observations

This resolution does not mandate immediate automation but initiates a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of its potential impacts, with an emphasis on balancing efficiency gains with workforce stability and community well-being.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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