SB356Introduced in the Senate
American Indians, Virginia and federally recognized tribes; establishes definitions, sovereignty.
Introduced by Ryan McDougle, District 26
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty. Provides that the Commonwealth acknowledges the inherent sovereignty of federally recognized tribes within the present-day external boundaries of the Commonwealth. The bill also establishes definitions for "American Indian," "federally recognized tribe," and "Virginia recognized tribe" and amends various sections throughout the Code for the purpose of uniformity in terminology. This bill is a recommendation of the Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes.
Where it stands
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N)
February 12, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N) · February 12, 2026
8
Yes
7
No
0
Absent or Not Voting
15 senators recorded in this Senate vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
What do people think?
Citizen Voice
How would you vote on this bill?
An unofficial public opinion poll. It does not affect the bill or the official vote.
One response per device. Location is self-reported and not verified. Results are informal and not a scientific survey.
See how each senator voted
| Senator | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Obenshain | 2 | No |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | No |
| Creigh Deeds | 11 | Yes |
| Louise Lucas | 18 | Yes |
| Aaron Rouse | 22 | Yes |
| Mamie Locke | 23 | Yes |
| Richard Stuart | 25 | No |
| Ryan McDougle | 26 | No |
| Bryce Reeves | 28 | No |
| Jeremy McPike | 29 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100476D
Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB356)
Reported from General Laws and Technology and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N)
Verify the information
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