Virginia2026Enacted
HB612
Amendment to Allow Same-Sex Marriage
Last scannedNov 4, 2026, 4:57 AM
In one sentence
This bill allows Virginia voters to decide if they want to change their constitution to allow marriage between any two adults, regardless of sex or gender.
What it does
- Allows the people of Virginia to vote on whether to remove a part of the state’s constitution that only lets one man and one woman get married.
- Proposes changing the constitution so it says marriage can be between any two grown-ups who want to marry, no matter their sex or gender.
Who it affects
- People who live in Virginia and are eligible to vote.
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not specify how it will affect existing marriages that were previously not recognized.
- It is unclear what specific rights and benefits this change might bring for same-sex couples who marry after the amendment passes.
Plain language
Terms to know
- Constitution
- The main set of rules for a state that tells how it should be run and what rights people have.
- Voter referendum
- A vote by the public to decide on an important issue, like changing laws or rules in their area.
Official record
Sources
Read the official summary
Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition. Provides for a referendum at the November 3, 2026, general election to approve or reject an amendment that requires the equal treatment under the law of a lawful marriage between two adult persons regardless of the sex, gender, or race of such persons. The amendment also repeals the current provision that defines marriage as only a union between one man and one woman. This bill is identical to SB 311.
Official activity
Bill history
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB612)House
- Approved by Governor-Chapter 1 (effective July 1, 2026)Governor
- Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0001)Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on February 04, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., February 11, 2026Governor
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB612ER)House
- Read third timeSenate
- Passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A)Senate
- Read second timeSenate
- Reported from Privileges and Elections (8-Y 5-N)Privileges and Elections
- Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)Senate
- Referred to Committee on Privileges and ElectionsPrivileges and Elections
- Read third time and passed House (66-Y 32-N 0-A)House
- Read second timeHouse
- committee substitute agreed toHouse
- Engrossed by House - committee substituteHouse
- Read first timeHouse