2024 General Assembly Bills: Monitoring

AIA Virginia is watching bills placed in this category. Often, we are watching bills because they are of interest and we want to remain informed. When this is the case, it is often another organization taking the lead due to its specific expertise and political relationships. If amendments are introduced that make a bill in this category detrimental to our profession, then it is moved to the SUPPORT or OPPOSE list and we engage. There are some bills that AIA Virginia does not take a position on. An example of this would be bills that define “small business”. Because of the composition of our membership, we would not want to take action that would hurt any of our members.

If you have any questions, please contact Paul Battaglia, AIA at pbattaglia@aiava.org

HB 151 Energy, Department of; building standards for certain local buildings.

 A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-1804.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Energy; building standards for certain local buildings.

24105608D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Energy; building standards for certain local buildings. Requires the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance to localities, subject to available budgetary resources, as localities implement mandates related to energy and resilience standards for construction or renovation of certain public buildings. The bill also requires the Department to conduct an annual survey of localities to obtain information on related activities and to identify the needs of localities with respect to technical assistance and training. The bill also makes several technical and clarifying changes to the existing statute, in part by defining or redefining existing terms found in the statute.

HB 248 Autonomous agent; regulations for an applicant requesting licensure of an agent.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-201 and 54.1-829.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; powers and duties of regulatory boards; autonomous agents.

24100683D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; autonomous agent. Authorizes regulatory boards to promulgate regulations for an applicant requesting licensure of an autonomous agent that is owned or operated by such applicant. Autonomous agent is defined in the bill as software or hardware that operates independently, without real-time human intervention, and is capable of performing tasks that, when executed by a human, would require licensure by a regulatory board.

HB 259 Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 10.1-603.19 and 10.1-606.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available; owner match requirements.

24104622D

Summary as introduced:

Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available; owner match requirements. Reduces from 50 percent to 30 percent the project match required of applicants to receive funds from the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund for grants (i) to a local government that owns a dam, (ii) to a local government for a dam located within the locality, or (iii) to a private entity that owns a dam for the design, repair, and safety modifications of such a dam if it is identified in a safety report. The bill provides that grants made from the Fund to a local government or private entity for the determination of the hazard classification for impounding structures, dam break analysis, the mapping and digitization of dam break inundation zones, incremental damage analysis, and other engineering requirements shall require no more than a 10 percent match by the applicant except that such applicant shall be required to provide a minimum of $5,000 of the cost of the project, if funded, and such match provided by such applicant may be used to pay the application fees for the necessary impounding structure operation and maintenance certificate. The bill removes the 50 percent limit on matching grants that owners of impounding structures may be eligible for from the Fund and other sources of funding available to the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to assist in the development of dam break inundation zone maps and for conducting incremental damage assessments in accordance with the Virginia Impounding Structure Regulations. The bill also removes the limitation that the total amount of expenditures for grants in any fiscal year are not to exceed 50 percent of the total noninterest or income deposits made to the Fund during the previous fiscal year together with the total amount collected in interest or income from the investment of moneys in the Fund from the previous year as determined at the beginning of the fiscal year.

HB 350 Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, etc., Bd. for; quorum and signature requirements.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 54.1-403 and 54.1-405 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects; quorum and signature requirements.

24102125D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects; quorum and signature requirements. Reduces from nine to six the number of members of the Board for Architects, Professional Engineers, Land Surveyors, Certified Interior Designers and Landscape Architects (the Board) constituting a quorum. The bill lowers the quorum requirement of two engineers, two architects, and two land surveyors to one engineer, one architect, and one land surveyor. Finally, the bill removes the requirement that licenses issued by the Board be signed by at least four members of the Board.

HB 378 Developer performance guarantees; clarifies existing provisions related to periodic partial release.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2245 of the Code of Virginia, relating to release of developer performance guarantees.

24103315D

Summary as introduced:
Release of developer performance guarantees. Clarifies that existing provisions related to the periodic partial and final release of developer performance guarantees also applies to performance guarantees for erosion and sediment control measures, stormwater management facilities, and fill and borrow areas.

HB 381 Virginia Public Procurement Act; participation by veteran-owned small businesses.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-4310, 2.2-4310.2, and 2.2-4310.3 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Public Procurement Act; participation by veteran-owned small businesses.

24103118D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Procurement Act; participation by veteran-owned small businesses. Requires all public bodies to include in their goals for participation by small businesses a minimum of five percent participation by veteran-owned businesses and service disabled veteran-owned businesses. Current law only requires a goal of three percent participation by service disabled veteran-owned businesses and does not impose such goal upon local public bodies. The bill also requires the Department of General Services to update the eVA portal to include a category for veteran-owned and service disabled veteran-owned small businesses that is conspicuous to the general public to easily display and search set-aside opportunities for such businesses.

HB 656 Regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 62.1-44.15:55, as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan.

24102265D

Summary as introduced:
Regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan. Prohibits a person from engaging in any land-disturbing activity until, where Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit coverage is required, the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (VESCP) authority has obtained evidence of such permit coverage from the Department of Environmental Quality’s online reporting system prior to issuing its land-disturbance approval. Current law requires the VESCP authority to obtain such evidence of VPDES permit coverage prior to approving an erosion and sediment control plan.

HB 889 Retail Sales and Use tax; levies tax on following services: admissions, charges for recreation, etc.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 58.1-602, 58.1-603, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 58.1-603.1, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 58.1-603.2, 58.1-604.01, as it is currently effective and as it may become effective, 58.1-605.1, 58.1-606.1, 58.1-609.5, 58.1-609.11, 58.1-611.1, 58.1-612, 58.1-623, 58.1-638, 58.1-647, and 58.1-648, relating to sales and use tax on services.

24104556D

Summary as introduced:

Sales and use tax on services. Levies the retail sales and use tax on the following services: admissions; charges for recreation, fitness, or sports facilities; nonmedical personal services or counseling; dry cleaning and laundry services; companion animal care; residential home repair or maintenance, landscaping, or cleaning services when paid for directly by a resident or homeowner; vehicle and engine repair; repairs or alterations to tangible personal property; storage of tangible personal property; delivery or shipping services; travel, event, and aesthetic planning services; and communications services that are not subject to the communications sales and use tax and are not digital personal property.

The bill also imposes the retail sales and use tax on digital personal property, defined in the bill as a digital product delivered electronically that the purchaser owns or has the ability to continually access without having to pay an additional subscription or usage fee to the seller after paying the initial purchase price.

Revenues generated by the taxes levied on services and digital personal property shall be allocated in the same manner as other sales and use taxes; however, revenues from the state portion of the sales and use tax that would be allocated to the general fund shall instead be allocated to school divisions as follows: (i) 60 percent shall be distributed to localities on the basis of school-age population and (ii) 40 percent shall be distributed to localities on the basis of the high-need student population in the locality. The bill clarifies that a high-need student population includes students who are (a) automatically certified for free school meals because of participation in social services programs, (b) participants in a program of special education, or (c) English language learners.

The bill provides certain exemptions to the sales and use tax on services, including health care services that must be performed by a person licensed or certified by the Department of Health Professions, veterinary services, professional services, Internet access services, and services provided by a person who does not receive more than $2,500 per year in gross receipts for performance of such services. The bill exempts services purchased by a nonprofit organization and services purchased by a homeowners’ association or by a landlord for the benefit of his tenant. The bill also repeals the service exemptions currently provided for the sale of custom programs and modification of prewritten programs.

The bill imposes the communications sales and use tax on prepaid calling services and on digital subscription services, defined in the bill as services for which the user pays in order to access and use software, reading materials, or other digital data or applications for a defined period of time, which products the user does not own or have permanent access to outside of such period of time.

HB 968 Virginia Green Infrastructure Bank; created, report.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 17 of Title 45.2 an article numbered 10, consisting of sections numbered 45.2-1735 through 45.2-1741, relating to Virginia Green Infrastructure Bank; created.

24101531D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Green Infrastructure Bank; created. Creates the Virginia Green Infrastructure Bank, an authority to promote and catalyze investment in qualified projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, assist climate-impacted communities, and promote environmental justice. The bill requires the Bank to be governed by a board of directors with the authority to hire a president and create a nonstock corporation to carry out the powers and duties of the bank.

HB 1101 Virginia Public Procurement Act; adds to definition of professional services.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-4301 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Public Procurement Act; professional services; definition.

24103119D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Procurement Act; professional services; definition. Adds to the definition of “professional services,” for use throughout the Virginia Public Procurement Act, services of an investment and financial advisor procured by the Department of the Treasury.

HB 1182 Professional wetland delineator; certification requirements.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 54.1-2206.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists; professional wetland delineator certification requirements.

24102123D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists; professional wetland delineator certification requirements. Removes the requirement that an applicant for certification as a professional wetland delineator provide the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists three written references from wetland professionals. The bill also replaces the requirement that an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field have successfully completed a course of instruction, in state and federal wetland delineation methods and four years of relevant experience to be certified with two years of such experience. Finally, for applicants seeking certification through experience, the bill reduces to three years the required experience that the applicant must have in wetland delineation, in wetland science research, or as a teacher of wetlands curriculum in an accredited institution of higher education in order to be certified.

HB 1371 Virginia Public Procurement Act; local arbitration agreements.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 43 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 7, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-4377.1 through 2.2-4377.5, relating to the Virginia Public Procurement Act; local arbitration agreements.

24104101D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Procurement Act; local arbitration agreements. Allows a participating locality, for any procurement solicitation or contract exceeding $10,000 for goods and services, to require the bidder or offeror to disclose certain information regarding pre-dispute arbitration clauses, defined in the bill, in employment, civil rights, and certain consumer disputes, and provides that a locality may consider the policies and practices related to arbitration of each bidder and offeror. The bill also provides that a participating locality shall require the bidder or offeror to provide written or electronic submissions to allow the locality to ascertain (i) whether the bidder or offeror requires persons with whom it is in a work relationship or prospective work relationship to sign or otherwise enter into a contract containing a pre-dispute arbitration clause that would cover an employment or civil rights dispute and (ii) whether the bidder or offeror requires consumers to sign or otherwise enter into a contract containing a pre-dispute arbitration clause as a condition of downloading mobile applications or using websites to pay a school district for goods, services, or fees. The bill authorizes a participating locality to cancel, terminate, or suspend, in whole or in part, the contract of any contractor that has violated a provision of the bill and to declare the contractor ineligible for further contracts with such locality for up to five years.

HB 1395 Historic preservation; filing of a historic designation application.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-2306 of the Code of Virginia, relating to historic preservation.

24104538D

Summary as introduced:
Historic preservation. Provides that the filing of a historic designation application shall stay a locality from issuing any permit to raze or demolish a proposed historic landmark, building, or structure until 30 days after the rendering of the final decision of the governing body of the locality. The bill also specifies that the affected property owner, the applicant, or any resident of the locality who provided public input on the locality’s historic district plan may appeal to the circuit court for review of any final decision of the governing body pursuant to such application.

HB 1404 Small Business Procurement Enhancement Program, etc.; established, report.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-1604, 2.2-1605, 2.2-4303, 2.2-4310, 2.2-4310.3, and 23.1-1017 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 16.1 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 4, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-1618 through 2.2-1623, relating to the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity; Small Business Procurement Enhancement Program, and Women-owned and Minority-owned Business Procurement Enhancement Program established; report.

24105093D

Summary as introduced:

Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity; Small Business Procurement Enhancement Program and Women-owned and Minority-owned Business Procurement Enhancement Program established; report. Establishes the Small Business Procurement Enhancement Program with a statewide goal of 42 percent of certified small business utilization in all discretionary spending by state agencies and covered institutions in procurement orders, prime contracts, and subcontracts, as well as a target goal of 50 percent subcontracting to certified small businesses in instances where the prime contractor is not a small business for all new capital outlay construction solicitations that are issued. In addition, the bill provides for a small business set-aside for state agency and covered institution purchases of goods, services, and construction, requiring that purchases up to $100,000 be set aside for award to certified small businesses and that purchases up to $10,000 be set aside for award to microbusinesses.

The bill also establishes the Women-owned and Minority-owned Business Procurement Enhancement Program with a statewide goal of 23.1 percent of certified women-owned and minority-owned business utilization in all discretionary spending by state agencies and covered institutions in procurement orders, prime contracts, and subcontracts. The bill creates the Division of Procurement Enhancement within the Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity for purposes of collaborating with the Department of General Services, the Virginia Information Technologies Agency, the Department of Transportation, and covered institutions to further the Commonwealth’s efforts to meet the goals established under the Small Business Procurement Enhancement Program and the Women-owned and Minority-owned Business Procurement Enhancement Program, as well as implementing initiatives to enhance the development of small businesses, microbusinesses, women-owned businesses, and minority-owned businesses in the Commonwealth.

Finally, the bill amends the Virginia Public Procurement Act to permit public bodies to establish purchase procedures, if adopted in writing, not requiring competitive sealed bids or competitive negotiation for single or term contracts for the purchase or lease of goods, or for the purchase of services, insurance, or construction, if the aggregate or the sum of all phases is not expected to exceed $125,000. Under current law, such purchase procedures may only be established for (i) goods and services other than professional services and non-transportation-related construction, if the aggregate or the sum of all phases is not expected to exceed $200,000; (ii) transportation-related construction, if the aggregate or sum of all phases is not expected to exceed $25,000; and (iii) professional services, provided that the aggregate or the sum of all phases is not expected to exceed $80,000. The bill has a general delayed effective date of January 1, 2025, and delayed effective dates of July 1, 2025, for covered institutions, and July 1, 2026, for certain university hospitals and medical centers. The provisions of the bill creating the Women-owned and Minority-owned Business Procurement Enhancement Program sunset on July 1, 2031.

HB 1428 Regulatory boards; application review timelines.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 2 of Title 54.1 a section numbered 54.1-206, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; application review timelines.

24104273D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; application review timelines. Requires each regulatory board within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to adopt a timeline of each stage that a completed application for licensure, certification, or registration will undergo as it is reviewed by such board. The bill also requires that such regulatory board approve any completed application within 30 days of its receipt unless such board has reasonable certainty that such application includes grounds for denial.

HB 1431 Alternative onsite sewage systems; approval of treatment units.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 32.1-164.10, relating to alternative onsite sewage systems; approval of treatment units.

24104059D

Summary as introduced:
Alternative onsite sewage systems; approval of treatment units. Requires the Department of Health to approve treatment units for alternative onsite sewage systems if they meet certain NSF/ANSI standards or certain testing requirements.

HB 1449 Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative; changes references relating to coastal resilience policy

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 10.1-659, 10.1-660, and 62.1-223.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative at The College of William and Mary in Virginia.

24105114D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative at The College of William and Mary in Virginia. Changes references relating to coastal resilience policy from the Coastal Policy Center at William and Mary School of Law to the Virginia Coastal Resilience Collaborative at The College of William and Mary in Virginia to reflect the dissolution of the Coastal Policy Center. The bill also adds the Collaborative to the list of entities with whom the Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources may seek input and consultation in setting coastal resilience policies.

HB 1456 Solar-ready roofs for certain gov’t bldgs.; net-zero energy consumption bldg. design for schools.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-1183 and 15.2-1804.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to solar-ready roofs for certain government buildings; net-zero energy consumption building design for schools.

24104682D

Summary as introduced:
Solar-ready roofs for certain government buildings; net-zero energy consumption building design for schools. Requires any executive branch agency or institution and any locality entering the design phase for the construction of a new building greater than 5,000 gross square feet in size, or the renovation of a building where the cost of the renovation exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building, to ensure that such building includes a solar-ready, cool, or energy-efficient roof, defined in the bill. The bill also requires new public school buildings and facilities and improvements and renovations to existing public school buildings and facilities where the cost of the renovation exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building to, after notice is given to the governing body, be designed and constructed to meet net-zero energy consumption standards. The provisions of this bill only apply to projects entering the design phase on or after January 1, 2025.

HB 1472 Water certificates or permits; compliance with water quality standards.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 62.1-44.15, as it is currently effective and as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to water certificates or permits; compliance with water quality standards.

24101575D

Summary as introduced:
Water certificates or permits; compliance with water quality standards. Requires the State Water Control Board to ensure all activities allowed under any water certificate or permit are in compliance with the water quality standards promulgated by the Board.

HB 1484 Virginia Public Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund and Program; established.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 9.1 a chapter numbered 16, consisting of a section numbered 9.1-1600, relating to Virginia Public Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund and Program; established.

24104802D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund and Program; established. Establishes the Virginia Public Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund and Program, to be administered by the Department of Emergency Management and financially managed by the Virginia Resources Authority, for the purpose of making loans and awarding grants to local governments to assist with improvement projects relating to public safety radio and communications infrastructure.

HB 1520 Virginia Institute of Marine Science; review the cumulative surface water intake effects.

A BILL to direct the Virginia Institute of Marine Science to review the cumulative surface water intake effects on aquatic fauna in the Chesapeake Bay; report.

24105824D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science; review the cumulative surface water intake effects on aquatic fauna in the Chesapeake Bay; report. Directs the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) to review the feasibility of studying cumulative impacts of surface water intakes on aquatic fauna and water quality in Virginia’s rivers and the Chesapeake Bay. VIMS is required to report whether the study may be conducted and, if so, report the total amount of funding necessary to conduct the study to the Governor by October 1, 2024.

SB 79 Solar-ready roofs for certain gov’t bldgs.; net-zero energy consumption bldg. design for schools.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 2.2-1183 and 15.2-1804.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to solar-ready roofs for certain government buildings; net-zero energy consumption building design for schools.

24103593D

Summary as introduced:
Solar-ready roofs for certain government buildings; net-zero energy consumption building design for schools. Requires any executive branch agency or institution and any locality entering the design phase for the construction of a new building greater than 5,000 gross square feet in size, or the renovation of a building where the cost of the renovation exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building, to ensure that such building includes a solar-ready, cool, or energy-efficient roof, defined in the bill. The bill also requires new public school buildings and facilities and improvements and renovations to existing public school buildings and facilities where the cost of the renovation exceeds 50 percent of the value of the building to, after notice is given to the governing body, be designed and constructed to meet net-zero energy consumption standards. The provisions of this bill only apply to projects entering the design phase on or after January 1, 2025.

SB 184 Geology; expands definition of geological mapping.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 54.1-2200 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; practice of geology; definitions.

24104718D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; practice of geology; definitions. Expands the definition of the practice of geology to include the performance of any professional service or work wherein the principles and methods of geology are applied, including (i) investigating, evaluating, and consulting; (ii) geological mapping; (iii) describing the natural processes that act upon the earth’s materials; (iv) predicting the probable occurrence of natural processes; and (v) inspecting, planning, and performing and supervising geological work in order to enhance and protect the health, safety, and welfare of the public and the environment. The bill contains technical amendments.

SB 245 Energy, Department of; building standards for certain local buildings.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 15.2-1804.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Energy; building standards for certain local buildings.

24104845D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Energy; building standards for certain local buildings. Requires the Department of Energy to provide technical assistance to localities, subject to available budgetary resources, as localities implement mandates related to energy and resilience standards for construction or renovation of certain public buildings. The bill also requires the Department to conduct an annual survey of localities to obtain information on related activities and to identify the needs of localities with respect to technical assistance and training. The bill also makes several technical and clarifying changes to the existing statute, in part by defining or redefining existing terms found in the statute.

SB 260 Virginia Public Procurement Act; preference for products made or manufactured in Virginia and U.S.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-4324 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Public Procurement Act; preference for products made or manufactured in Virginia and the U.S.; recyclable content; report.

24102218D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Procurement Act; preference for products made or manufactured in Virginia and the U.S.; recyclable content; report. Provides preference for a bidder who is a resident of Virginia over a bidder who is a resident of any other state in determining the award for any contract for goods, services, or construction under the Virginia Public Procurement Act. When a bidder is a resident of Virginia and the lowest responsive and responsible bidder is a resident of another state, the Virginia resident shall be given the option to match the price of the nonresident bidder. The bill directs the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to convene a stakeholder work group to recommend revisions to the recyclable materials tax credit and report on the work group’s recommendations by November 1, 2024.

SB 304 Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 15.2-2292.2, relating to zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units.

24100831D

Summary as introduced:
Zoning; development and use of accessory dwelling units. Requires a locality to include in its zoning ordinances for residential zoning districts accessory dwelling units, or ADUs, as defined in the bill, as a permitted accessory use. The bill requires a person to seek a permit for an ADU from the locality, requires the locality to issue such permit if the person meets certain requirements enumerated in the bill, and restricts the fee for such permit to $100 or less. The bill prohibits the locality from requiring (i) dedicated parking for the ADU; (ii) lot sizes or setbacks for the ADU greater than that of the primary dwelling; (iii) consanguinity or affinity between the occupants of the ADU and the primary dwelling; (iv) owner occupancy of the ADU or the primary dwelling; and (v) redundant water, sewer, or septic capacity for the ADU. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2025.

SB 365 Regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 62.1-44.15:55, as it shall become effective, of the Code of Virginia, relating to regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan.

24102266D

Summary as introduced:
Regulated land-disturbing activities; submission and approval of erosion and sediment control plan. Prohibits a person from engaging in any land-disturbing activity until, where Virginia Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (VPDES) permit coverage is required, the Virginia Erosion and Sediment Control Program (VESCP) authority has obtained evidence of such permit coverage from the Department of Environmental Quality’s online reporting system prior to issuing its land-disturbance approval. Current law requires the VESCP authority to obtain such evidence of VPDES permit coverage prior to approving an erosion and sediment control plan.

SB 554 Waterworks and wastewater works operators; reciprocal licensing.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 54.1-2301 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; waterworks and wastewater works operators; reciprocal licensing.

24104600D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation; waterworks and wastewater works operators; reciprocal licensing. Requires the Board for Waterworks and Wastewater Works Operators and Onsite Sewage System Professionals, upon application, to recognize current and valid licenses or certificates issued by a neighboring state, defined in the bill, as fulfillment of qualifications for licensure as a waterworks and wastewater works operator in the Commonwealth if there are no pending investigations or complaints, no disqualifying criminal records, and no discipline imposed by another state.

SB 584 General Services Board; established.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 1-508, 1-509, 2.2-106, 2.2-1100, 2.2-1101, 2.2-1102, 2.2-1106, 2.2-1108, 2.2-1115, 2.2-1119, 2.2-1124, 2.2-1125, 2.2-1131.1, 2.2-1133, 2.2-1136, 2.2-1138, 2.2-1139, 2.2-1141 through 2.2-1144, 2.2-1146, 2.2-1147, 2.2-1150.2, 2.2-1150.3, 2.2-1151, 2.2-1153, 2.2-1155, 2.2-1156, 2.2-1157, 2.2-1162, 2.2-1163, 2.2-1164, 2.2-1168, 2.2-1172 through 2.2-1180, 2.2-1183, 2.2-1516, 2.2-1517, 2.2-1519, 2.2-4303, 2.2-4311.2, 10.1-112, 27-5.5, 30-194, 30-280, 30-385, 36-99.3, and 36-139.1 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 31, consisting of a section numbered § 2.2-2499.9, relating to Department of General Services; General Services Board established; Chief Administrator.

24102562D

Summary as introduced:
Department of General Services; General Services Board established; Chief Administrator. Establishes the General Services Board to oversee the Department of General Services and, among other duties, to appoint a Chief Administrator for the Department. The Board shall consist of nine members: one nonlegislative citizen member appointed by the Governor, two nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules, two nonlegislative citizen members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, one department or agency head appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules serving ex officio, one department or agency head appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates serving ex officio, and two department or agency heads appointed by the Governor serving ex officio. Under current law, the Department is headed by the Director who is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the Governor.

SB 647 Virginia Public Procurement Act; apprenticeship programs, competitive sealed bidding.

A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.2-4302.1 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Virginia Public Procurement Act; competitive sealed bidding; required criteria in invitations to bid.

24105084D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Public Procurement Act; competitive sealed bidding; required criteria in invitations to bid. Requires all public bodies to include in any Invitation to Bid criteria that will be used in determining whether a bidder who is not prequalified by the Virginia Department of Transportation is a responsible bidder. Current law authorizes, but does not require, localities to include such criteria in Invitations to Bid.

SB 673 State Water Control Board; prioritization of drinking water.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Article 1 of Chapter 3.1 of Title 62.1 a section numbered 62.1-44.6:2, relating to Department of Environmental Quality; State Water Control Board; prioritization of drinking water.

24101597D

Summary as introduced:
Department of Environmental Quality; State Water Control Board; prioritization of drinking water. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality and the State Water Control Board to prioritize the preservation of drinking water in all permitting and regulatory processes related to groundwater and surface water resources.

SB 698 Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available.

A BILL to amend and reenact §§ 10.1-603.19 and 10.1-606.2 of the Code of Virginia, relating to Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available; owner match requirements.

24103054D

Summary as introduced:

Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund; percentage of funds available; owner match requirements. Reduces from 50 percent to 30 percent the project match required of applicants to receive funds from the Dam Safety, Flood Prevention, and Protection Assistance Fund for grants (i) to a local government that owns a dam, (ii) to a local government for a dam located within the locality, or (iii) to a private entity that owns a dam for the design, repair, and safety modifications of such a dam if it is identified in a safety report. The bill provides that grants made from the Fund to a local government or private entity for the determination of the hazard classification for impounding structures, dam break analysis, the mapping and digitization of dam break inundation zones, incremental damage analysis, and other engineering requirements shall require no more than a 10 percent match by the applicant except that such applicant shall be required to provide a minimum of $5,000 of the cost of the project, if funded, and such match provided by such applicant may be used to pay the application fees for the necessary impounding structure operation and maintenance certificate. The bill removes the 50 percent limit on matching grants that owners of impounding structures may be eligible for from the Fund and other sources of funding available to the Director of the Department of Conservation and Recreation to assist in the development of dam break inundation zone maps and for conducting incremental damage assessments in accordance with the Virginia Impounding Structure Regulations. The bill also removes the limitation that the total amount of expenditures for grants in any fiscal year are not to exceed 50 percent of the total noninterest or income deposits made to the Fund during the previous fiscal year together with the total amount collected in interest or income from the investment of moneys in the Fund from the previous year as determined at the beginning of the fiscal year.

SB 729 Virginia Climate Innovation Authority; established; created, report.

A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Chapter 22 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 13, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-2378 through 2.2-2390, relating to Virginia Climate Innovation Authority; established; report.

24104393D

Summary as introduced:
Virginia Climate Innovation Authority; established; report. Creates the Virginia Climate Innovation Authority to finance clean energy projects, greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects, and other qualified projects through the strategic deployment of public funds in the form of grants, loans, credit enhancements, and other financing mechanisms. The Authority is governed by a 12-member Board, consisting of one member of the House of Delegates, one member of the Senate, five nonlegislative citizen members to be appointed by the Governor, the Secretary of Commerce and Trade, the Secretary of Finance, the Secretary of Transportation, the Secretary of Labor, and the Director of the Department of Energy. The bill contains provisions for (i) the appointment of a president and the hiring of staff, (ii) the powers and duties of the Authority, (iii) lending practices, (iv) a strategic plan, (v) an investment strategy, (vi) public outreach requirements, (vii) audits, (viii) exemptions from taxes and from personnel and procurement procedures, and (ix) reporting requirements.

Counts: HB: 22 SB: 12

Architectural Staff (Production, Construction Administration)

Architectural Staff (Production, Construction Administration)
brwarchitects, p.c. (BRW) | Charlottesville, VA

brwarchitects is hiring 1-2 architectural staff to support our growing affordable housing studio. Qualified candidates will have a minimum of 3+ years’ post-degree professional experience, and may be licensed or seeking licensure. Proficiency in Revit and Adobe (Id, Ps, Ai) is required. Experience with construction administration is a high priority but not required.

Ideal candidates will have diverse knowledge of architectural principles and building techniques, be able to work efficiently within project budgets and deadlines; and be motivated by the work we do. Candidates must be located in Charlottesville, Virginia, or within commuting distance.

Working at brwarchitects is an opportunity to broaden the practice of architecture. Our designers work with resident-led neighborhood redevelopment, faith communities, local commercial and healthcare clients, urban infill, private residential clients, and more. We are an award-winning, collaborative 14-person office where each person will do any task needed to create the quality of work that has built our reputation over the past 40 years.

BRW offers competitive pay, generous benefits, and a unique firm culture in a small studio environment. Learn more about our work and benefits on our website. We are interviewing immediately.

Email resume and portfolio to Cole Wardell at cwardell@brw-architects.com

AIA Virginia Newsletter: January 2024

Looking Forward to 2024
I’m honored to be serving as the 2024 President of AIA Virginia. During Architecture Exchange East in November, I had the opportunity to greet the attendees and, at the risk of being redundant, I’m going to share my story with all of you.
More>>

Political Outlook in VA
The 2024 Virginia General Assembly gavels into session Wednesday 10 January and the Joint Legislative Committee (JLC) is prepped and ready to go. We have already begun to review the bills and will soon be developing our response.
More>>

Save the Date!
The 16th Virginia Design Forum will be held on Friday, April 5-Saturday, April 6, 2024 at the Institute for Contemporary Art VCU in Richmond, VA. Registration is opening later this month!
More>>

Inform Magazine
Calling all firms: Inform Magazine has worked closely with firms and individuals over the last year to bring their stories to life, including Hanbury and Arnaldo D. Cardona. If you have an initiative or perspective you’d like to showcase, email William Richards (william@teamthreellc.com), and let’s find a way to make that happen.

Meet the ELA Class of 2024
The 2024 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture launches their year of meetings this Friday with their first session in Richmond. Meet these selected young leaders.
More>>

Join the Historic Resources Committee
Do you have a love and passion for historic architecture? Maybe adaptive reuse of existing buildings? We need more committee members and would love to have you join this knowledge community.
More>>

Newly Licensed
Congratulations to the following member for passing their exams and gaining licensure.
More>>

Join the VA COTE Steering Committee
We have a few open spots on the VA COTE Steering Committee and would love for you to join us.
More>>

ELA Scholarship Awarded
The inaugural R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA ELA Scholarship has been awarded to a member of the 2024 class of Emerging Leaders in Architecture.
More>>

Explore Your Passions
Diverse voices from all over the Commonwealth are needed to move the organization forward in the areas of Education and Member Services.
More>>

Getting Licensed in 2024?
If getting licensed is on your to-do list for 2024, Virginia Licensing Advisor Gina Robinson offers you some tips from other candidates and recently licensed Architects that might help you get started.
More>>

Welcome to our new YAR
I am very excited to begin my term as the 2024-2026 Young Architect Representative (YAR) for Virginia. This role serves as a steward for young architects across Virginia, bringing their interests and ideas to the national stage, and bringing resources from the national level to local YAF chapters.
More>>

Sydney Has Been a Shinning StAR, and Now We Need Another
We have been fortunate to have Sydney Huibregtse, Associate AIA serve as our State/Territory Associate Representative (StAR). Our organization and our members have benefitted greatly from Sydney’s dedicated and thoughtful service. Thank you, Syndey. Sydney has decided to step down from that role, and we are now in search of another StAR.
More>>

2024 AIA Virginia Prize
The 2024 competition takes place over the Feb. 2-4 weekend. Faculty at Hampton University are finalizing the brief for the students of UVa, Virginia Tech, WAAC and Hampton to consider.
More>>

Career Stage Roundtable Wrap-Up
Take a look at what was discussed at the Early, Mid, and Late-Stage Career roundtables at ArchEx 2023.
More>>

Welcome These New Members
We are always excited to welcome new members to Virginia. The following members recently joined AIA Virginia.
More>>

Firm Size Roundtable Wrap-Up
Take a look at the themes that emerged from the small, mid and large firm roundtables at ArchEx 2023.
More>>

Amber Book
Are you ready to get licensed? AIA Virginia offers associate members of AIA Virginia a 60-day subscription to the Amber Book for only $99.
More>>

Thank you and Welcome
Our 2023 Board of Directors had their last meeting on December 15, 2023. We had a chance to thank our departing board members, Michael Poole, AIA, Jori Erdman, AIA, and Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA. And then we welcomed the new 2024 board!
More>>

Upcoming Professional Development Opportunities
Check out the statewide events calendar here>>

Featured Job Listings
Work Program Architects is looking for an Urban Designer

AIA Virginia PAC
If you want to opt out of giving to the AIA Virginia PAC from your 2024 dues payment, please click here.
More>>

Time to Renew Your AIA Membership for 2024
AIA members like you, plus others across the country and throughout the world, create the places where people live, learn, work, and play. To support you, your firm, and the architecture profession, AIA works for you at all levels to advance our nation’s quality of life and to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare through advocacy, professional development, relationship building and public outreach. We look forward to having you continue to be part of this global community and while standing with AIA to enact positive change through design – Renew your membership today!

If you are having difficulty paying your 2024 invoice and would like to continue your membership on an installment plan or need to discuss other ways to keep your membership viable in 2024, please contact Cathy Guske to discuss.
More>>

Firm Size Roundtable Wrap-Up

The Firm Size roundtables met at the AIA Virginia annual convention, Architecture Exchange East in November 2023. Here are the main themes that emerged from those discussions. I hope you will plan to join us at future roundtable discussions! Watch your inbox for an invitation.

The Small Firm Roundtable is chaired by Maggie Schubert, AIA
The Mid-Size Firm Roundtable is chaired by Andrew McKinley, AIA
The Large Firm Roundtable is chaired by Charles Piper, AIA

Small Firms Discussed:

  • Hiring + Retaining
  • Getting Work
  • Billing/getting paid for work
  • Software/technology (Job Tread, Harvest, Sage)
  • Outsourcing
  • *TIME* – Doer/Maker/Seller
  • Training – Personal Development
  • Work/Life Balance – how to deal with stressors
  • Master Spec
  • Ai – writing, Chat GPT/ Sort Pattern recognizing performance evaluation/ Resources marketing
  • Continual change/Scale up + Scale down
  • Flexibility
    • How to keep and get good talent
  • Firm Culture
    • How to keep and get good talent
  • Remote working – Trust needed to succeed (Set structure)
  • Open plan vs. focused work
  • Office – Client meetings and community connects

Mid-Size Firms Discussed:

When you think about being part of a “fun-sized” firm, what makes you smile?
What is the greatest innovation you’ve witnessed within your firm?
What is your (firm or individual) greatest challenge?
What question would you like to ask the group?
Read these responses

Large Firms Discussed:

Tailwinds –

  • Strong Backlog
    • Healthcare
    • Science/Tech
    • Higher Ed
    • Industrial
    • DOD
    • Aviation
    • K-12
  • Covid Funding/Public Funding
  • Technology
    • Efficiency
    • AI
  • Integration
    • Teams across offices
    • Disciplines
  • Efficiency, Meeting attendance
  • High Job Satisfaction
  • Project team structure/relationships

Headwinds –

  • Post-pandemic uncertainty/exhaustion
  • Political uncertainty
  • Un-even demand
  • Remote work QC/firm cohesiveness
    • Discouraged especially for young staff
  • Staff/consultant capacity to execute
  • HR/Training/Culture – stress of Growth
  • Design Quality suffering/Lack of professional development when teams aren’t together
  • Leadership development (for virtual work – lack of in-between/soft mentoring)
  • Lack of “windshield time” with staff and face-to-face time with clients
  • Being more “efficient” but less effective (due to remote work)
  • Need to clarify roles and expectations

Career Stage Roundtable Wrap-Up

The career stage roundtables met at the AIA Virginia annual convention, Architecture Exchange East in November 2023. Here are the main themes that emerged from those discussions. I hope you will plan to join us at future roundtable discussions! Watch your inbox for an invitation.

The Early Career Stage Roundtable is chaired by Carrie Parker, AIA
The Mid Career Stage Roundtable is chaired by Shawn Mulligan, AIA
The Late Career Stage Roundtable is chaired by Mitch Rowland, AIA

Thank You and Welcome

Our 2023 Board of Directors had their last meeting on December 15, 2023. We had a chance to thank our departing board members, Michael Poole, AIA, Jori Erdman, AIA, and Caitlin Morgan, Associate AIA. And then it was onto the first meeting of the 2024 Board of Directors! Thank you to all for your volunteer leadership.

ELA Scholarship Awarded

The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship

R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA was in the innagural ELA class of 2009. Corey has served at local and state AIA components and now is the AIA Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice. Corey is a strong believer in increasing diversity in the profession and offering opportunities for all to gain knowledge and advancement in their careers.

In 2022, AIA Virginia established a scholarship in Corey’s name to honor his dedication to emerging professionals and provide financial assistance to those interested in participating in the ELA program.
The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA ELA Scholarship is available to any ELA applicant with financial need, either to cover tuition or travel expenses for their class year.

The inaugural scholarship is awarded to 2024 class member Philip Baxter, Associate AIA, an Associate Architect at DNA-Workshop Dyke Nelson Architecture in Richmond. In his application for the scholarship, Baxter commented “I learned about ELA through the Architecture Exchange where I developed a strong network of mentors and insight, who inspired me with their stories of how much the ELA program really changed their lives and accelerated their careers. I was inspired by the challenge, and in life, anything worth doing is going to be difficult, but the reward is exceptional.”

Congratulations, Philip!

Donations to the R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship can be made through the new AIA Virginia Foundation in the coming months. To make your donation, contact cguske@aiava.org.

Meet the ELA Class of 2024

Meet the Emerging Leaders in Architecture class of 2024! This year’s class of 15 comprises architects and associates from around the state and students from Hampton University and Virginia Tech. We will be traveling around the state throughout the year for our educational sessions and focusing on the Alexandria/Arlington area for this year’s class project. Would you like to support the class as they travel around the state? Contact Cathy Guske, cguske@aiava.org for more information. Be sure to follow the ELA Instagram account at ela_aiavirginia to follow their progress throughout the year.

KJ Ammon, Associate AIA (AIA Richmond nominee)
Philip Baxter, Associate AIA
Zachary Britton, Associate AIA (AIA Blue Ridge nominee)
Danielle Corbin, Associate AIA (AIA Central Virginia nominee)
Miguel Gereda, Associate AIA
Noor Hadi, Associate AIA
Ananth Jayaraj, Associate AIA
Tony Lin, Associate AIA (AIA Hampton Roads nominee)
Brynn McClatchy, AIAS (Virginia Tech)
Shukrullo Miruaydullaev, Associate AIA
Niki Pardakhti, Associate AIA (AIA Northern Virginia nominee)
Amari Ross, AIAS (Hampton University)
Emily Savoca, AIA
Irem Sezer, Associate AIA
Jessica Somgynari, AIA

2024 AIA Virginia Prize

The AIA Virginia Prize is a design charrette that engages students at all of the architecture programs in Virginia.  Conducted simultaneously at each institution, students are given the competition program Friday at 5 p.m. They work over the weekend to create a board presenting their design solution by 9 a.m. the following Monday.  The competition is intended to promote collaboration between the profession, students and professors in Virginia.

The first round of submissions is juried at the university level and up to 10 finalists from each school will be sent to be juried at the state level.

The 2024 competition takes place over the Feb. 2-4 weekend. Faculty at Hampton University are finalizing the brief. The challenge brief will be posted to this page at 5 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 2 and submissions are due to the school at 9 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 5.

We wish the participating students a pleasant outing and look forward to considering and celebrating their proposals.

Sydney has been a shining StAR, and now we need another

For the last several years, we have been fortunate to have Sydney Huibregtse, Associate AIA serve as our State/Territory Associate Representative (StAR). Our organization and our members have benefitted greatly from Sydney’s dedicated and thoughtful service. Thank you, Syndey.

Sydney Huibregtse, Assoc. AIA

Sydney has decided to step down from that role, and we are now in search of another StAR.

And what is a StAR? StARs serve on the National Associates Committee (the NAC). The NAC is the voice of Associate members of AIA. It represents and advocates for both mainstream and non-traditional associates – who constitute 19% of national AIA membership – at all components of the AIA. By promoting excellence, providing information and leadership, fostering inclusiveness, and encouraging individual, community and professional development, the NAC strives to integrate the growing associates community of the profession into a strong voice within the AIA. Representatives to the NAC are known as State Associate Representatives (StARs).

StARs typically serve two-year terms. Efforts include monthly workgroup calls, quarterly full committee calls, and one required in-person (travel-paid) annual meeting in Q1. Expect to dedicate 10 hours per month to this role. 

If you are interested in serving as a StAR, please contact EVP Paul Battaglia, AIA before the end of the month.