(HB1173) GOVERNOR'S RECOMMENDATION I approve the general purpose of this bill, but I am returning it without my signature with the request that the attached Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute (26110333D) be accepted.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB1173
Virginia Human Rights Act; Protection Against Menopause Discrimination
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act aims to prevent discrimination based on menopause or perimenopause in Virginia by prohibiting such discrimination under the state's human rights laws and requiring a study on workplace accommodations for these conditions.
What it does
- Prohibits discrimination under the Virginia Human Rights Act on the basis of menopause or perimenopause for purposes of nondiscrimination in government programs, public accommodation, employment hiring, and reasonable employer accommodation.
Who it affects
- Employees who experience menopause or perimenopause
- Employers required to provide reasonable accommodations
Limits and unknowns
- The bill was vetoed by the Governor, so it did not become law.
- It is unclear how employers will implement reasonable accommodations for employees experiencing menopause or perimenopause.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Menopause
- The time when a woman's menstrual cycles stop permanently, usually occurring in the late forties or early fifties.
- Perimenopause
- The period leading up to menopause during which hormone levels fluctuate and menstruation becomes irregular.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Virginia Human Rights Act; menopause or perimenopause; discrimination prohibited; report. Prohibits discrimination under the Virginia Human Rights Act on the basis of menopause or perimenopause for purposes of nondiscrimination in government programs, public accommodation, employment hiring, and reasonable employer accommodation. The bill also directs the Commissioner of Labor and Industry, in consultation with the Commissioner of Health, to conduct a study on menopause and perimenopause in the workforce, menopause and perimenopause accommodations in employment environments, and the scope of existing menopause-related and perimenopause-related policies and to develop best practices related to menopause and perimenopause accommodations in employment environments. The bill directs the Commissioners to submit such report to the Governor and General Assembly by July 1, 2028, and to post such report on the Department of Labor and Industry's website. This bill is identical to SB 258.
Official activity
Bill history
- Governor's Veto Received by HouseHouse
- Vetoed by GovernorGovernor
- Communicated to GovernorHouse
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Passed by for the dayHouse
- Governor's recommendation received by HouseGovernor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 25, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1173)House
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1173ER)House
- Senate substitute agreed to by House (62-Y 34-N 1-A)House
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1173)Commerce and Labor
- Read third timeSenate
- Engrossed by Senate - committee substituteSenate
- Commerce and Labor Substitute agreed toCommerce and Labor
- Passed Senate with substitute (20-Y 19-N 0-A)Senate
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
2026 SESSION HOUSE SUBSTITUTE 26110333D HOUSE BILL NO.