HB1289Introduced in the House of Delegates
Geology; added to definition of "professional services," continuing education.
Introduced by Bill Wiley, District 32
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Professions and occupations; regulation of geologists. Adds geology to the definition of "professional services" as used in the Virginia Public Procurement Act. The bill also eliminates the option for the Board for Professional Soil Scientists, Wetland Professionals, and Geologists to waive the examination requirement for licensure as a professional geologist for an applicant who has at least 12 years of geological work. The bill also requires the Board to promulgate regulations governing continuing education requirements for geologists licensed by the Board that require the completion of eight hours annually in continuing education for any license renewal or reinstatement. This bill is identical to SB 492.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0462)
April 8, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
SenateStage: Passed Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A) · February 23, 2026
38
Yes
0
No
2
Absent or Not Voting
40 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth Bennett-Parker | 5 | Yes |
| Michael Jones | 77 | Yes |
| Timmy French | 1 | Yes |
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | Yes |
| Chris Head | 3 | Yes |
| David Suetterlein | 4 | Yes |
| Travis Hackworth | 5 | Yes |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | Yes |
| William Stanley | 7 | Yes |
| Mark Peake | 8 | Yes |
Bill history
Presented and ordered printed 26102918D
Referred to Committee on General Laws
Assigned HGL sub: Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process
House subcommittee offered
Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute (9-Y 0-N)
Reported from General Laws with substitute (21-Y 0-N)
Committee substitute printed 26105942D-H1
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1289)
Read first time
Moved from Uncontested Calendar to Regular Calendar
Read second time
committee substitute agreed to
Engrossed by House - committee substitute
Read third time and passed House (95-Y 3-N 0-A)
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Reported from General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Read third time
Passed Senate (38-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1289ER)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1289)
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 462 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0462)
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