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Bill

Bill

HB 2016

Veterans; provision of copies of vital records.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Chris Obenshain and 1 co-sponsor

Virginia bill requires state vital records offices to provide free copies of vital records to veterans, merged into broader vital records legislation HB 2748.

Incorporated by Health and Human Services (HB2748-Laufer) (Voice Vote)
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Bill Summary · HB 2016

Legislative bill overview

HB 2016 requires Virginia to provide free copies of vital records (birth certificates, death certificates, marriage licenses, etc.) to veterans at no charge. The bill was incorporated into HB 2748 by the Health and Human Services Committee, meaning its provisions were merged into a broader vital records bill rather than passing as standalone legislation.

Why is this important

Veterans often need vital records for benefits applications, disability claims, and other official purposes, and charging fees creates unnecessary barriers to accessing earned benefits. This addresses a practical accessibility issue for a population that has served the state and country. The incorporation into HB 2748 suggests the measure has bipartisan support and is likely to advance through the legislative process.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact and cost allocation: The Department of Planning and Budget issued a fiscal impact statement, raising questions about implementation costs and whether vital records offices have budgets to absorb free services for a specific population
  • Scope and eligibility: Unclear whether "veterans" includes all former military service members, only those with disabilities, or only Virginia residents; definition matters significantly for cost projections
  • Administrative burden: Local vital records offices may require new procedures, training, and verification systems to confirm veteran status before issuing free records

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

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