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VA HB554

VA HB554
State officers and employees; state agencies to establish alternative work schedules.


summary

Introduced
01/13/2026
In Committee
02/10/2026
Crossed Over
02/06/2026
Passed
Dead

Introduced Session

Potential new amendment
2026 Regular Regular Session

Bill Summary

State officers and employees; state agencies to establish alternative work schedules; reporting requirement. Requires each state agency to implement a procedure to (i) keep a record of any denial of telecommuting and alternative work eligibility citing a justification based on diminished employee performance or service delivery; (ii) allow employees denied telecommuting and alternative work eligibility to appeal such denial; (iii) prohibit retaliatory conduct against any employee who requests eligibility to participate in telecommuting and alternative work schedules; (iv) to the extent practicable, restore telecommuting and alternative work agreements to positions with such agreements held prior to July 5, 2022, unless an employee failed to receive a performance rating of "successful" or higher on the most recent performance evaluation or restoring such agreement causes diminished employee performance or service delivery; and (v) make available to the public the telecommuting and alternative work policy of such agency documenting any revisions to such policy since August 16, 2002. The bill requires each state agency to annually report on such procedures and data on participation in telecommuting and alternative work at such agency. Finally, the bill permits state agencies with geographically distinct operations to develop a regional telecommuting and alternative work policy established by the regional head of such state agency.

AI Summary

This bill requires state agencies to establish procedures for alternative work schedules, including telecommuting, which allows employees to work from locations other than their central workplace, and alternative work schedules, which are work arrangements that differ from the standard 40-hour workweek. Key provisions include requiring agencies to keep records of any denials for telecommuting or alternative work eligibility, specifically noting justifications based on diminished employee performance or service delivery, and allowing employees to appeal such denials. The bill also prohibits retaliatory actions against employees who request to participate in these programs and mandates the restoration of previously held telecommuting agreements unless it negatively impacts performance or service delivery. Furthermore, agencies must make their telecommuting and alternative work policies publicly available, detailing any revisions since August 16, 2002, and must annually report on participation data and denial justifications. For agencies with geographically dispersed operations, a regional approach to developing these policies is permitted.

Committee Categories

Justice, Labor and Employment

Sponsors (5)

Last Action

Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology (on 02/10/2026)

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location
State Bill Page https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB554) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1134339.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554/text/HB554E
General Laws Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554/text/HB554AH1
General Laws Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554/text/HB554AHC1
Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process Subcommittee Amendment https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554/text/HB554AHC2
Fiscal Note/Analysis - Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB554) https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1100863.PDF
BillText https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB554/text/HB554
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