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HR 2069

Limiting legislation to be considered by the 2026 Special Session I of the General Assembly and establishing a schedule for the conduct of business coming before such Special Session.

2026, 1st Special Session Introduced by Charniele Herring

The bill restricts Special Session I to mainly pass the Budget Bill for 2026–2028 and related procedural matters, with tight rules and limited amendments.

Bill text as passed House (HR2069ER)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HR 2069

Summary of HR 2069 (2026 Special Session I, Virginia)

Overview

  • Bill type: House Resolution
  • Bill number: HR 2069
  • Session: 2026 Special Session I
  • Sponsor: Primary – Delegate Charniele Herring (Co-sponsor)
  • Purpose: Limit the scope of legislation that may be considered during the 2026 Special Session I and establish a defined process and schedule for the session’s conduct, with a primary focus on the Budget Bill (biennial state spending) and related procedural rules.

Main Purpose and Intent

The resolution confines the items that may be offered, considered, or voted on during the 2026 Special Session I, unless there is unanimous consent of the House. It also establishes a schedule and specific procedural rules to govern the handling of the Budget Bill during the session. The central objective is to ensure the Special Session focuses on essential budgetary matters and related procedural, appointment, and rule-setting issues.

Key Provisions and Changes

Authorized Measures During Special Session

During the 2026 Special Session I, the following types of measures may be offered or considered without requiring additional unanimous consent:
1. The Budget Bill (general appropriation for the biennium).
2. Single-house commendations and memorial resolutions.
3. Bills, joint resolutions, or resolutions affecting the rules of procedure or the schedule of business of the General Assembly, or its committees, in either house.
4. Elections of judges and other officials subject to General Assembly election.
5. Appointments subject to General Assembly confirmation.

Session Operation

  • The House may recess after the Special Session convenes, with at least 48 hours’ notice, by call of the Speaker of the House of Delegates.

Definition: Budget Bill

  • The Budget Bill is defined as a general appropriation bill authorizing public revenues for the biennial period from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2028.

Procedural Rules for the Budget Bill

  1. Restriction on Amendments: The House shall not receive, consider, or vote on any committee amendment, floor amendment, or amendments from the other house to any Budget Bill continued or considered at the 2026 Regular Session.
  2. Delay and Timing: The Budget Bill shall not be considered earlier than 48 hours after introduction unless the House votes to proceed earlier by a two-thirds vote of the members voting.
    • A concurrent report with the Budget Bill introduction will itemize:
      • (i) Items in the Budget Bill not included in a general appropriation bill passed by either House during the 2026 Regular Session.
      • (ii) Items representing legislation that failed in either House during the 2026 Regular Session.
  3. Engrossment: No engrossment of the Budget Bill is required.

Who/What Is Affected

  • Legislative Process: Sets strict limits on what can be introduced or amended during Special Session I, effectively prioritizing the Budget Bill and certain procedural/appointment items.
  • Budget/Appropriations: Focuses attention on the biennial appropriation for fiscal years 2026-2028.
  • Rules and Procedures: Allows only rule-related changes or adjustments to the process, subject to unanimous consent for broader scope.
  • Judicial and Executive Appointments: Elections and confirmations subject to the General Assembly remain permissible items.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Session Trigger: The Special Session I is summoned by the Governor’s proclamation (began April 23, 2026, at 12:00 p.m.).
  • Recess Authority: The House may recess with 48 hours’ notice after convening.
  • Budget Bill Introduction Timing: The Budget Bill cannot be considered within 48 hours of introduction unless 2/3 vote allows earlier consideration.
  • Reporting with Budget Bill: A report at introduction will identify:
    • Items not in a general appropriation bill from the 2026 Regular Session.
    • Items that failed in either house during the 2026 Regular Session.
  • Engrossment Requirement: Not required for the Budget Bill during this session.

Practical Implications

  • The resolution constrains legislative activity, reducing the scope of debate beyond the Budget Bill and limited procedural matters.
  • It emphasizes disciplined budgeting for the 2026-2028 period and provides transparency by highlighting deviations from prior general appropriation bills and failed items.
  • The procedural guardrails (e.g., 48-hour rule, two-thirds trigger for earlier consideration) create a cautious and expedited framework for budgetary action.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the 2026 Regular Session funding framework or translate the rules into a quick-reference checklist.

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

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