WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 405

Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority; administration of nursing scholarships.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Louise Lucas

Virginia establishes a Health Workforce Development Authority to administer nursing scholarships and address critical healthcare workforce shortages through targeted education funding.

Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0025)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 405

Legislative bill overview

SB 405 establishes the Virginia Health Workforce Development Authority with the power to administer nursing scholarships to address workforce shortages in the state's healthcare sector. The bill creates a dedicated mechanism for distributing financial aid to nursing students, potentially with stipulations regarding service commitments or practice locations after graduation.

Why is this important

Virginia, like most states, faces critical nursing shortages that impact hospital operations, patient care quality, and healthcare accessibility. By creating a dedicated authority to manage nursing scholarships, the state can strategically direct education funding toward high-need areas and potentially incentivize nurses to practice in underserved rural or economically disadvantaged regions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source and cost: The bill's fiscal impact remains unclear; legislators may debate whether new appropriations are necessary or if existing education budgets should be redirected
  • Service obligations: Questions may arise about whether scholarship recipients should face mandatory service requirements (geographic location, years of practice) and penalties for non-compliance
  • Authority scope and oversight: Concerns about whether a new administrative body is necessary versus expanding existing higher education or workforce development agencies, and how decisions will be made regarding scholarship awards

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

Sign in to ask a question.