(SB258) 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 (26110292D) be accepted.
Virginia2026Enacted
SB258
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 and requires a study on workplace accommodations for these conditions.
What it does
- Adds protection against discrimination related to menopause or perimenopause under the Virginia Human Rights Act.
- Directs state labor officials to conduct a study on menopause and perimenopause in the workforce, including existing policies and best practices.
Who it affects
- Employees who experience menopause or perimenopause
- State labor officials required to conduct a study
Limits and unknowns
- The bill was vetoed by the Governor on May 19, 2026.
- It is unclear if or when similar protections will be implemented in Virginia.
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 women may experience symptoms and changes due to fluctuating hormone levels.
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 HB 1173.
Official activity
Bill history
- Governor's Veto Received by SenateSenate
- Vetoed by GovernorGovernor
- Passed by for the daySenate
- Communicated to GovernorSenate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 23, 2026Governor
- Passed by for the day Block Vote (21-Y 18-N 0-A)Senate
- Governor's recommendation received by SenateGovernor
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Signed by SpeakerHouse
- Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026Senate
- Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026Governor
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB258)Senate
- Signed by PresidentSenate
- EnrolledSenate
- Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB258ER)Senate
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB258)General Laws
- House substitute agreed to by Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A)Senate
- Read third timeHouse
- committee substitute agreed toHouse
Changes
Amendments
2 stored
2026 SESSION SENATE SUBSTITUTE 26110292D SENATE BILL NO.