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VA SB100

VA SB100
Volunteer emergency responders, protection of employees; civil action.


summary

Introduced
12/31/2025
In Committee
02/12/2026
Crossed Over
02/05/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

Protection of employees; volunteer emergency responders; civil action. Prohibits an employer from discharging, disciplining, threatening, discriminating against, or penalizing an employee or taking other retaliatory action regarding an employee's compensation, terms, conditions, location, or privileges of employment solely because the employee fails to report for work because such employee is serving as a voluntary emergency responder, as defined in the bill, and is actively responding to an emergency alarm or during a state of emergency, provided that certain requirements are met. The bill provides that no employer shall be required to pay an employee for work time missed while serving as a voluntary emergency responder but permits such employee to charge the absence as a vacation or sick day if such employee has accrued such leave. The bill permits a person who alleges a violation of its provisions to bring a civil action seeking injunctive relief, reinstatement, and compensation for lost wages, benefits, and other remuneration.

AI Summary

This bill prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who miss work to serve as volunteer emergency responders, meaning active members of recognized volunteer fire departments or emergency medical services agencies who are responding to an emergency alarm or during a declared state of emergency. To be protected, the employee must notify their employer at least one hour before their scheduled work time if responding to an alarm or state of emergency, and upon returning, provide a copy of the incident report and a certification from the incident commander confirming their active and necessary participation in emergency services, including the time they were relieved. While employers are not required to pay employees for missed work time, employees can use accrued vacation or sick days. The bill also clarifies that this protection does not apply to essential employees and allows individuals who believe their rights have been violated to file a civil lawsuit seeking an injunction, reinstatement, and compensation for lost wages and benefits, plus attorney fees.

Committee Categories

Business and Industry

Sponsors (1)

Last Action

Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee Amendment - Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee Amendment (on 02/20/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB100
Subcommittee #2 Subcommittee Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB100/text/SB100AHC2
Labor and Commerce Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB100/text/SB100AHC1
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB100) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1096529.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/SB100/text/SB100
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