(HB639) 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 (26110190D) be accepted.
Virginia2026Enacted
HB639
Elections; Acceptance of Gifts and Funding
Last scannedAug 22, 2026, 5:26 AM
In one sentence
This act changes Virginia's laws to allow elections officials to accept property and services from private individuals or organizations for election-related activities but requires a two-thirds majority vote for funding over $1,000.
What it does
- Removes the rule that stops elections officials from accepting property and services provided by private individuals or nongovernmental entities for voter education and outreach programs, voter registration programs, or any other expense incurred in the conduct of elections.
- Requires a two-thirds majority vote of all members of the State Board of Elections or local governing body to approve money or grants over $1,000 given by private individuals or nongovernmental entities for election-related activities.
Who it affects
- State Board of Elections
- Local election officials
Limits and unknowns
- The bill does not specify if the $1,000 limit applies weekly, monthly, annually, or cumulatively.
- It was vetoed by the Governor due to lack of clarity and additional guardrails on private funding use.
Plain language
Terms to know
- two-thirds majority vote
- A decision made by at least two out of every three members voting on an issue.
- nongovernmental entity
- An organization that is not run by the government, like a business or charity.
Official record
Sources
Official summary
Elections; administration; acceptance of certain gifts and funding; approval required. Removes the prohibition on accepting property and services provided by a private individual or nongovernmental entity for the purpose of funding voter education and outreach programs, voter registration programs, or any other expense incurred in the conduct of elections. Conditions the acceptance of money or grants of greater than $1,000 given by a private individual or nongovernmental entity for the purpose of funding voter education and outreach programs, voter registration programs, or any other expense incurred in the conduct of elections on approval of such funding by a two-thirds majority vote of all members of the State Board of Elections or the local governing body.
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
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB639)House
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026House
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledHouse
- Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB639ER)House
- Read third timeSenate
- Read third timeSenate
- Passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)Senate
- Read third timeSenate
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
2026 SESSION HOUSE SUBSTITUTE 26110190D HOUSE BILL NO.