SB718Introduced in the Senate
Virginia National Guard; power of Governor to summon in certain circumstances.
Introduced by Schuyler VanValkenburg, District 16
What does this bill do?
Plain-English breakdown
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Official description
Virginia National Guard; power of Governor to summon in certain circumstances; mobilization under federal authority; annual report. Provides that the Governor, within 48 hours of ordering the deployment of the Virginia National Guard, shall inform, in writing, the General Assembly of such deployment. The bill also provides that the Governor shall summon the General Assembly if he wishes for such a deployment to continue for longer than two weeks, and the General Assembly may pass a joint resolution by simple majority authorizing the continuation of such deployment. The bill also requires the Adjutant General to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing federal and state deployments of the Virginia National Guard and other matters relating to retention, readiness, funding, and resources. The bill clarifies that the Virginia National Guard's role in counterdrug operations is limited to that of support, as opposed to direct law enforcement. The bill also prohibits the Governor from calling forth the Virginia National Guard for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, or coercing, or attempting to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, a person in giving his vote or ballot or to deter or prevent such person from voting. The bill provides several measures to be followed in the event of Virginia National Guard mobilization under federal authority either within or outside the Commonwealth, and such measures are enumerated within the bill.
Where it stands
Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N)
February 4, 2026
How did lawmakers vote?
SenateStage: Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N) · February 4, 2026
13
Yes
0
No
2
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 |
|---|---|---|
| Timmy French | 1 | Yes |
| Chris Head | 3 | Yes |
| Todd Pillion | 6 | Absent |
| Lashrecse Aird | 13 | Yes |
| Schuyler VanValkenburg | 16 | Yes |
| Emily Brewer | 17 | Yes |
| Christie New Craig | 19 | Yes |
| Angelia Williams Graves | 21 | Yes |
| Aaron Rouse | 22 | Yes |
| Mamie Locke | 23 | Yes |
Bill history
Presented and ordered printed 26105292D
Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB718)
Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N)
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