Legislative Updates

This page provides updates on legislation related to Risk Orders in the Virginia General Assembly. It highlights key developments, votes, and committee actions, along with final outcomes from the 2026 legislative session. As these laws move from passage to implementation, this page will continue to track progress and impact across the Commonwealth.

SB495 – Risk Order Updates

Patron: Creigh Deeds (State Senator, Virginia Senate District 11)
Current Status: Signed into law (April 13, 2026); effective July 1, 2026

Summary

SB495 expands and clarifies several provisions related to Risk Orders. The bill:

  • Adds additional eligible petitioners

  • Clarifies the use of Risk Orders involving minors

  • Authorizes courts issuing emergency orders to also issue final orders

  • Expands judicial criteria for hearings

Legislative Action

  • Passed Senate Courts of Justice Committee

  • Passed Virginia Senate (21–19)

  • Passed House Courts of Justice Committee

  • Approved by the Governor on April 13, 2026

  • Becomes effective July 1, 2026

HB901 – Risk Order Companion Legislation

Patron: Rip Sullivan (Member, Virginia House of Delegates – District 48)
Current Status: Incorporated into final Risk Order legislative package

Summary

HB901 serves as the House companion to SB495 and ensured alignment of legislative language between chambers. It supported expanded eligibility and procedural updates for Risk Orders.

Legislative Action

  • Passed House Courts of Justice Committee (15–7)

  • Advanced through House process

  • Consolidated into final SB495 package

HB896 – Risk Order Training and Public Education

Patron: Rip Sullivan (Member, Virginia House of Delegates – District 48)
Current Status: Passed both chambers; included in 2026 public safety legislation package

Summary

HB896 directs the Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) to develop and implement training and public education on Risk Orders. This includes:

  • Training for law enforcement and public safety agencies

  • Public education initiatives to improve awareness

  • Ongoing implementation and reporting requirements

Legislative Action

  • Passed House Public Safety Committee (15–7)

  • Passed House Appropriations Committee (15–7)

  • Passed Virginia House of Delegates

  • Passed Virginia Senate with substitute

  • Final House agreement vote (64–35)

HB1071 – Risk Order Training for School Threat Assessment Teams

Patron: Amy Laufer (Member, Virginia House of Delegates – District 55)
Current Status: Signed into law (April 2026)

Summary

HB1071 requires Risk Order training for school-based threat assessment teams. The bill applies to:

  • K–12 public schools

  • Public colleges and universities

The goal is to strengthen early intervention and prevention efforts within educational institutions.

Legislative Action

  • Passed House Education Committee (17–4)

  • Passed Virginia House of Delegates (64–32)

  • Passed Virginia Senate

  • Signed into law by the Governor (April 2026)

What This Means for the PLM Legacy Foundation

Recent legislative progress in Virginia represents a critical shift from policy development to real-world implementation. With expanded Risk Order laws and new statewide training requirements, many of the priorities PLM has long advocated for are now reflected in law.

This moment creates a powerful opportunity for PLM to help lead the next phase of impact—ensuring these laws are understood, accessible, and effectively used within our communities. Through education, awareness, and strategic partnerships, PLM remains committed to bridging the gap between legislation and prevention.

As the focus moves from passing laws to putting them into practice, PLM will continue working to ensure these efforts translate into meaningful, life-saving outcomes.