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HB 2094

High-risk artificial intelligence; definitions, development, deployment, and use, civil penalties.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 22 co-sponsors

Virginia's vetoed HB 2094 would have required AI developers to assess risks and implement safeguards for high-risk systems, with civil penalties for non-compliance.

House sustained Governor's veto
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 2094

Legislative bill overview

HB 2094 establishes regulatory frameworks for high-risk artificial intelligence systems in Virginia, defining what constitutes high-risk AI and requiring developers and deployers to implement safeguards, conduct impact assessments, and maintain transparency measures. The bill imposes civil penalties for violations and creates accountability mechanisms for entities developing or deploying AI systems that could pose significant risks to public safety, privacy, or civil rights.

Why is this important

As AI systems increasingly influence critical decisions in employment, housing, criminal justice, and healthcare, regulatory oversight has become a practical necessity. Virginia's bill would have positioned the state among early adopters of AI governance, potentially establishing precedent for how states balance innovation with consumer protection—an issue that will define technology policy for the next decade.

Potential points of contention

  • Innovation chilling effect: Critics argue that regulatory requirements could discourage AI development and deployment in Virginia, pushing companies to operate in less-regulated jurisdictions and costing the state economic opportunities
  • Definitional ambiguity: The bill's definition of "high-risk AI" could be overly broad or unclear, creating compliance uncertainty for developers and potentially capturing systems that pose minimal actual risk
  • Implementation burden: Small companies and startups may lack resources to conduct required impact assessments and implement safeguards, potentially creating barriers to entry that favor large corporations
  • Preemption concerns: Federal AI regulation may emerge that conflicts with state-level requirements, creating compliance nightmares for multi-state operators

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

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