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Bill

HB 944

Workplace violence policy required for certain employers; civil penalty.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bonita Anthony and 3 co-sponsors

Virginia bill mandates workplace violence prevention policies for specified employers with civil penalties for non-compliance, establishing legal accountability for employee safety.

Assigned HCL sub: Subcommittee #2
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 944

Legislative bill overview

HB 944 requires certain employers in Virginia to develop and implement comprehensive workplace violence prevention policies. The bill establishes civil penalties for employers who fail to comply with these policy requirements, creating legal accountability for workplace safety measures.

Why is this important

Workplace violence incidents can cause serious injury, trauma, and death. Mandatory policies help standardize safety practices across employers and may reduce incidents through prevention planning, employee training, and threat assessment procedures. This approach shifts responsibility to employers to proactively address violence risks rather than responding only after incidents occur.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and cost burden: Defining which employers are "certain employers" (size thresholds, industries) determines how many businesses are affected; smaller employers may argue compliance costs are disproportionate
  • Policy prescriptiveness: Disagreement over whether the bill should specify detailed policy requirements versus allowing employer flexibility in design and implementation
  • Civil penalty structure: The amount and enforceability of penalties could be debated—insufficient penalties may not incentivize compliance, while excessive ones could be viewed as punitive rather than corrective

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

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