The VBA actively proposes legislation, and members take an active role. They form legislative committees of the sections, develop and vet possible legislative with other groups, suggest bill language, help inform lawmakers and testify before the General Assembly to support improvements to Virginia law.

Promoting law changes that benefit the public and strengthen the administration of justice are traditional VBA initiatives.

Members who want to learn about the process have a couple opportunities to get questions answered ahead of the bill proposal deadline in mid-August, and hear from the VBA’s lead lobbyist this summer.

VBA Legislative Counsel Eric Link helps keep members informed concerning the Virginia General Assembly the VBA legislative agenda and elections.

Link, an attorney with Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP, will provide a legislative primer June 24 for all VBA members and affiliated groups. He’ll discuss the VBA’s lobbying efforts and steps you can take to propose bills. In addition to providing insight into questions to consider when thinking about proposing legislation, he may also address this fall’s election and the 2025 and upcoming 2026 General Assembly sessions. RSVP to receive the Zoom details of the 1-3 p.m. webinar.

In July, we provide another opportunity in the legislative development process. Section leaders and legislative leaders can attend a breakfast during the Summer Meeting at The Omni Homestead Resort. This gathering is designed to spark discussions about what issues may be affecting practice areas and whether legislation is an appropriate solution.

Individuals, sections, committees and groups affiliated with the VBA that wish to recommend legislative proposals for the 2026 General Assembly session must fill out a legislative proposal form to share with the appropriate section leadership. Watch for details to come on the proposal form. The deadline to submit the completed online legislative proposal form is mid-August.

The VBA Board of Governors will hear proposals for its 2026 legislative agenda at VBA Legislative Day, Sept. 23, starting at 1 p.m. This gathering also will be held via Zoom. Save the date for this annual event.