The 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly begins at noon today. During this first day, the two bodies will adopt resolutions stating various deadlines for the session and will announce the membership of their committees. Because of the high number of new members in the House of Delegates, we expect significant changes in the membership of the House committees, and possibly changes in their meeting schedules.
We do not expect dramatic changes in Senate committees.
The mission of the disAbility Law Center of Virginia is to advance independence, choice and self-determination; protect legal, human and civil rights; and eliminate abuse, neglect and discrimination of people with disabilities through zealous and uncompromising legal advocacy and representation.
During the 2026 session, we expect to actively support legislation to ensure that people under guardianship retain the right to vote, secure federal benefits for children with disabilities in foster care, require that Developmental Disability Service providers conduct emergency medical drills and ensure that the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services uses their sanction authority to the fullest extent.
Additionally, we will be on the alert for legislation that in any manner limits the rights of people with disabilities.
As the need arises, we intend to educate policymakers about the need to protect consumer rights in mental health commitment proceedings and mandatory outpatient treatment proceedings, the impact of any legislation concerning educational rights or discipline of students with disabilities, the protections for people with disabilities that exist under the current Healthcare Decision Making Act, the value of Supported Decision Making, the value of fully integrated employment opportunities, the need for greater protection of individual rights in guardianship proceedings, and the need for a robust, consumer-driven system of community based supports and services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and serious mental illness.
We are available to educate policy makers about the potential impact of legislative proposals. Please let us know of any legislation that you think we should be following, by emailing us at ga@dlcv.org