Bill
Bill > HB165
summary
Introduced
01/06/2026
01/06/2026
In Committee
02/18/2026
02/18/2026
Crossed Over
02/25/2026
02/25/2026
Passed
03/02/2026
03/02/2026
Dead
Introduced Session
Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session
Bill Summary
Board for Contractors; examinations; alternative languages. Provides that any exam offered by the Board for Contractors that averaged over 50 administrations per year over the preceding four-year period shall be made available in any language that meets the threshold for having election materials printed in that language pursuant to state election law.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Board for Contractors, which oversees licensing for construction professionals, to make its examinations available in languages other than English if those exams are administered frequently enough. Specifically, any exam that has been given, on average, more than 50 times per year over the last four years must also be offered in any language that qualifies for election materials to be printed in that language under Virginia law, which is tied to federal guidelines like those in the Voting Rights Act. This aims to ensure that individuals with limited English proficiency have a fair opportunity to take the necessary exams to become licensed contractors.
Committee Categories
Justice, Labor and Employment
Sponsors (12)
Josh Thomas (D)*,
Laura Jane Cohen (D),
Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D),
Michael Feggans (D),
Dan Helmer (D),
Fernando Martinez (D),
Adele McClure (D),
May Nivar (D),
Atoosa Reaser (D),
Irene Shin (D),
J.J. Singh (D),
Kathy Tran (D),
Last Action
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB165) (on 03/05/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
Loading...
bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB165) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1196373.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165/text/HB165ER |
| Senate Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165/text/HB165EDOC |
| General Laws and Technology Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165/text/HB165AS1 |
| General Laws and Technology Amendment | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165/text/HB165ASC1 |
| Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB165) | https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1099136.PDF |
| BillText | https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB165/text/HB165 |
Loading...