Bill > HB1090

This bill, amending the Code of Virginia, introduces new restrictions on how the Department of Health can spend public funds, which includes state and certain federal funds, related to abortions and family planning services. Specifically, the Department is prohibited from contracting with or giving grants to any entity that performs abortions not qualified for federal matching funds under the Medicaid program (referred to as "federally qualified abortions") or operates a facility where such abortions occur, with exceptions for licensed hospitals and the administration of funds under specific federal programs like Medicaid. The bill also establishes a priority list for awarding grants and contracts for family planning services, favoring public entities, then licensed hospitals and federally qualified health centers, followed by rural health clinics, and finally other nonpublic health providers based on their primary purpose. The Attorney General is empowered to enforce these provisions, and eligible entities can also bring legal action if they are negatively impacted by violations, potentially recovering attorney fees and costs.