STATE BUDGET

Virginia operates under a two-year (biennial) budget cycle. Each year the Governor prepares the proposed budget bill for introduction by the General Assembly. The biennial budget is enacted into law in even-numbered years, and amendments to it are enacted in odd-numbered years. The budget cycle begins in July.

STATE LEGISLATURE

The Virginia General Assembly is the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere, having been established on July 30, 1619.  The state Senate has 40 members, and the state House of Delegates has 100.  The Virginia General Assembly convenes annually on the second Wednesday in January. On years ending with an odd number, the General Assembly convenes for 30 days; on years ending with an even number, the General Assembly convenes for 60 days.  Virginia is one of only two states (along with New Jersey) to carry over legislation from even years to odd years.

KEY RESOURCES

• Virginia General Assembly
• Virginia Office of the Attorney General
• Virginia Bureau of Insurance
• Virginia Department of Planning and Budget
• Virginia All-Payer Claims Database
• Virginia Governor
• Information on Healthcare Policy in Virginia

2025 LEGISLATIVE SUMMARY

In 2025, Virginia enacted legislation (HB2099/SB1215) to require health insurance contracts utilizing prior authorization to provide provisions outlining the time limits, justification for a denial and prohibits modifying previously authorized requests, and would require strict deadlines on reviewing and approving prior authorization requests.