SB492Introduced in the Senate
Geology; added to definition of "professional services," continuing education.
Introduced by Stella Pekarsky, District 36
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 HB 1289.
Where it stands
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0463)
April 8, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
House of Delegates votes
2 recorded votes · each counted separately
Senate votes
3 recorded votes · each counted separately
House of DelegatesStage: Passed House (98-Y 0-N 0-A) · February 24, 2026
98
Yes
0
No
1
Absent or Not Voting
99 delegates recorded in this House of Delegates vote. Colors show vote categories only, not whether a vote was good or bad.
See how each delegate voted
| Delegate | District | Vote |
|---|---|---|
| Patrick Hope | 1 | Yes |
| Adele McClure | 2 | Yes |
| Alfonso Lopez | 3 | Yes |
| Charniele Herring | 4 | Yes |
| Kirk McPike | 5 | Yes |
| Richard Sullivan | 6 | Yes |
| Karen Keys-Gamarra | 7 | Yes |
| Irene Shin | 8 | Yes |
| Karrie Delaney | 9 | Yes |
| Dan Helmer | 10 | Yes |
Bill history
Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104900D
Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Reported from General Laws and Technology (15-Y 0-N)
Rules suspended
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
Passed by for the day
Read second time
Engrossed by Senate Block Vote (Voice Vote)
Engrossed by Senate
Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A)
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB492)
Placed on Calendar
Read first time
Referred to Committee on General Laws
Reported from General Laws (21-Y 0-N)
Read second time
Read third time
Passed House (98-Y 0-N 0-A)
Enrolled
Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB492ER)
Signed by Speaker
Signed by President
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB492)
Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 10, 2026
Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
Approved by Governor-Chapter 463 (effective 7/1/2026)
Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0463)
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