Virginia Action

All posts by Lindsey Zea

Election Bills Update 2/5

ELECTIONS

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSE

OPPOSE: HB1657 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

STATUS: This bill was passed yesterday, 2/4, on the House floor.

Requires certain list maintenance programs that remove ineligible voters to be completed 90 days before any primary or general election, extending the current requirement that certain list maintenance programs (like address updates at large scale) cannot be completed within 90 days before a general election. Because Virginia has frequent elections, this bill proposes changes that would impede voter list accuracy. 

OPPOSE: HB2002 – Voter Registration Cancellation Data Sources

STATUS: This bill was passed yesterday, 2/4, on the House floor.

This bill limits voter registration cancellations to data provided only by the Department of Elections or state-approved agencies, inhibiting our general registrars ability to maintain an accurate registered voter list.

OPPOSE: HB2277 – Compelled Election Results Certification

STATUS: This bill was passed yesterday, 2/4, on the House floor.

Imposes $1,000 civil penalty on electoral board members who refuse to certify results. This impedes their ability to serve properly as an electoral board member, oversee elections and use their best judgment to certify elections. 

OPPOSE – KILLED

OPPOSE: HB2057 – Automatic Voter Registration Expansion

STATUS: This bill was killed because it didn’t make it out of committee before the crossover deadline. The bill’s patron discussed working on the bill with another committee member of a different party and bringing it back next year.

Expands automatic voter registration to include hunting/fishing license applicants, concealed handgun permit applicants, and milk distributor license applicants. Maintains citizenship verification requirements. 

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2513 – Voter Registration Cancellation Notice Process

STATUS: This bill was passed yesterday, 2/4, on the House floor.

Requires registrars to use DMV data to update vote records and mail cancellation notices to both new and old addresses when available for voters who have moved, as indicated by DMV data. 

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bills Update 2/4

HEALTHCARE

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB2119 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/4, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2119!

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB1904 – Nursery service provider expansion

STATUS: This bill passed on the House floor yesterday, 2/3. It will now be sent to the Senate and will be assigned to a Senate committee.

Expands healthcare access by allowing qualified nurse midwives and pediatric nurse practitioners to provide newborn nursery coverage when physicians are unavailable, with appropriate training requirements. Enables telehealth consultation options while maintaining quality standards and safety protocols. This reduces regulatory barriers and increases healthcare provider options, particularly benefiting rural areas with physician shortages.

SUPPORT: SB1203 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill was on the Senate Second Reading Calendar yesterday, 2/3. It was read for the second time and was also read for the third time and passed on the Senate floor. It will now be sent to the House and will be assigned to a House committee.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Election Bills Update 2/4

ELECTIONS

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1657 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/4, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Requires certain list maintenance programs that remove ineligible voters to be completed 90 days before any primary or general election, extending the current requirement that certain list maintenance programs (like address updates at large scale) cannot be completed within 90 days before a general election. Because Virginia has frequent elections, this bill proposes changes that would impede voter list accuracy. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1657!

OPPOSE: HB2002 – Voter Registration Cancellation Data Sources

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/4, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill limits voter registration cancellations to data provided only by the Department of Elections or state-approved agencies, inhibiting our general registrars ability to maintain an accurate registered voter list.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2002!

OPPOSE: HB2277 – Compelled Election Results Certification

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/4, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Imposes $1,000 civil penalty on electoral board members who refuse to certify results. This impedes their ability to serve properly as an electoral board member, oversee elections and use their best judgment to certify elections. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2277!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB2513 – Voter Registration Cancellation Notice Process

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/4, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Requires registrars to use DMV data to update vote records and mail cancellation notices to both new and old addresses when available for voters who have moved, as indicated by DMV data. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2513!

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB1009 – Ranked Choice Voting Expansion for Localities

STATUS: This bill passed on the Senate floor yesterday, 2/3, with a party line vote of 21-19. This bill will now be sent to the House and will be assigned to a Committee.

Expands ranked choice voting options for all local offices, despite this method of voting being riddled with problems that disenfranchise voters. Currently, any Virginia locality is allowed to use Ranked Choice Voting for City Council and Board of Supervisor elections, but not any other election; we oppose expansion in any form. This bill also requires localities to receive state approval on feasibility before implementation. 

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Regulatory Reform Bills Update 2/3

REGULATORY REFORM

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB2094 – High-risk artificial intelligence regulation

STATUS: This bill is on the House 2nd Reading calendar TODAY, 2/3, and is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar tomorrow and receive a floor vote.

This bill creates requirements for the development, deployment, and use of certain artificial intelligence systems, defined in the bill, and civil penalties for noncompliance. If adopted, this bill would establish considerable heavy handed regulations on AI development and use including requiring AI to be trained on what appears to be DEI standards. This bill Takes effect July 2026 with enforcement through the Attorney General.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2094!

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Election Bills Update 2/3

ELECTIONS

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: SB1009 – Ranked Choice Voting Expansion for Localities

STATUS: This bill is on the Senate Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 2/3, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Expands ranked choice voting options for all local offices, despite this method of voting being riddled with problems that disenfranchise voters. Currently, any Virginia locality is allowed to use Ranked Choice Voting for City Council and Board of Supervisor elections, but not any other election; we oppose expansion in any form. This bill also requires localities to receive state approval on feasibility before implementation. 

Find your Senator’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on SB1009!

OPPOSE: HB1657 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

STATUS: This bill will be voted on for the 2nd Reading TODAY, 2/3 on the House floor and is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar tomorrow and receive a floor vote.

Requires certain list maintenance programs that remove ineligible voters to be completed 90 days before any primary or general election, extending the current requirement that certain list maintenance programs (like address updates at large scale) cannot be completed within 90 days before a general election. Because Virginia has frequent elections, this bill proposes changes that would impede voter list accuracy. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1657!

OPPOSE: HB2002 – Voter Registration Cancellation Data Sources

STATUS: This bill will be voted on for the 2nd Reading TODAY, 2/3 on the House floor and is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar tomorrow and receive a floor vote.

This bill limits voter registration cancellations to data provided only by the Department of Elections or state-approved agencies, inhibiting our general registrars ability to maintain an accurate registered voter list.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2002!

OPPOSE: HB2277 – Compelled Election Results Certification

STATUS: This bill will be voted on for the 2nd Reading TODAY, 2/3 on the House floor and is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar tomorrow and receive a floor vote.

Imposes $1,000 civil penalty on electoral board members who refuse to certify results. This impedes their ability to serve properly as an electoral board member, oversee elections and use their best judgment to certify elections. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2277!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB2513 – Voter Registration Cancellation Notice Process

STATUS: This bill will be voted on for the 2nd Reading TODAY, 2/3 on the House floor and is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar tomorrow and receive a floor vote.

Requires registrars to use DMV data to update vote records and mail cancellation notices to both new and old addresses when available for voters who have moved, as indicated by DMV data. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2513!

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: SB1044 – Election Results Reporting for Absentee and Provisional Ballots

STATUS: This bill passed in the Senate on Friday, 1/31. It will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a Committee.

This bill enhances election transparency by requiring detailed reporting of absentee and provisional ballot results. General registrars must separately report early in-person voting results from other absentee ballots and Election Day voting. Results must be posted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth day after election day, ensuring timely and transparent reporting of all ballot types while maintaining systematic verification processes.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bills Update 1/31

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1724 – Medicinal Price Setting

STATUS: This bill is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/31, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Under this proposed legislation, the Board will be given authority to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to an upper payment limit amount for state sponsored and state regulated health plans, directly opposed to free market principles.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1724!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB1904 – Nursery Service Provider Expansion

STATUS: This bill is on the House Second Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/31. It is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar on Monday, 2/3, and receive a floor vote.

Expands healthcare access by allowing qualified nurse midwives and pediatric nurse practitioners to provide newborn nursery coverage when physicians are unavailable, with appropriate training requirements. Enables telehealth consultation options while maintaining quality standards and safety protocols. This reduces regulatory barriers and increases healthcare provider options, particularly benefiting rural areas with physician shortages.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE YES on HB1904!

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2119 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the House Health and Human Services Committee yesterday, 1/30. It will now be sent to the House floor.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

SUPPORT: SB1203 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the Senate Education and Health Committee yesterday, 1/30. It will now be sent to the Senate floor.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Governance Bills Update 1/31

GOVERNANCE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: SB917 – Collective Bargaining by Public Employees

Status: This bill is on the Senate Second Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/31. It is expected to be on the Senate Third Reading Calendar on Monday, February 3rd, and receive a floor vote.

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for public employee collective bargaining, creating a Public Employee Relations Board to oversee negotiations while maintaining critical limitations on government employee strikes. 

Find your Senator’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on SB917!

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSE

OPPOSE: HB2089 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill passed the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 and the full House Labor and Commerce Committee yesterday, 1/30. It is now headed to the House Floor.

This bill creates the Virginia Home Care Authority to oversee home care services and allows individual home care providers to unionize and collectively bargain. The bill only takes effect if Virginia enacts broader public employee collective bargaining legislation.

OPPOSE: HB2495 – Firefighter and EMS Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill passed the House Labor and Commerce Committee yesterday, 1/30. It is now headed to the House Floor.

This bill authorizes collective bargaining rights for firefighters and emergency medical services providers in Virginia. The legislation creates a Fire Service Cooperation Board to oversee labor relations, establishes procedures for union elections and dispute resolution, and provides binding arbitration for unresolved contract negotiations. Effective January 1, 2026.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bills Update 1/30

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1724 – Medicinal Price Setting

STATUS: This bill is on the House Second Reading Calendar today, 1/30. It is expected to be on the House Third Reading Calendar TOMORROW, 1/31, and receive a floor vote.

This bill would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Under this proposed legislation, the Board will be given authority to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to an upper payment limit amount for state sponsored and state regulated health plans, directly opposed to free market principles.

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1724!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB2119 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill is on the agenda of the House Health and Human Services Committee, THIS MORNING, 1/30 in House Committee Room C – 206.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Please contact these Delegates immediately and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2119

House Health and Human ServicesDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Vice Chair: Delegate Kathy K.L. Tran(D)18(804) 698-1018[email protected]
Delegate Mike A. Cherry(R)74(804) 698-1074[email protected]
Delegate Joshua G. Cole(D)65(804) 698-1065[email protected]
Delegate N. Baxter Ennis(R)89(804) 698-1089[email protected]
Delegate Debra D. Gardner(D)76(804) 698-1076[email protected]
Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.(D)91(804) 698-1091[email protected]
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr.(D)19(804) 698-1019[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate Geary Higgins(R)30(804) 698-1030[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Robert D. Orrock, Sr.(R)66(804) 698-1066[email protected]
Delegate David Owen(R)57(804) 698-1057[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Phillip A. Scott(R)63(804) 698-1063[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan(D)26(804) 698-1026[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Wendell S. Walker(R)52(804) 698-1052[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1203 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill is on the agenda of the Senate Education and Health Committee, TODAY AT 8:30AM, 1/30 in Senate Room A, Room 305.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Please contact these Senators immediately and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1203

Senate Education and Health CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515[email protected]
Senator Lashrecse D. Aird (D)13(804) 698-7514[email protected]
Senator Lamont Bagby (D)14(804) 698-1092[email protected]
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538[email protected]
Senator Christie New Craig (R)19(804) 698-7519[email protected]
Senator Tara A. Durant (R)27(804) 698-7527[email protected]
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540[email protected]
Senator Christopher T. Head (R)3(804) 698-7503[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508[email protected]
Senator Stella G. Pekarsky (D)36(804) 698-7536[email protected]
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506[email protected]
Senator David R. Suetterlein (R)4(804) 698-7504[email protected]
Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D)16(804) 698-7516[email protected]

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSE

OPPOSE: HB1552 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals’

STATUS: This bill was on the House Third Reading Calendar yesterday, 1/29 and passed on the House floor. It will now be sent to the Senate to be assigned to a Senate Committee.

This bill would further entrench Virginia in the problems caused by the Certificate of Public Need program. It would allow certain hospitals, defined as critical access hospitals, to receive an exemption from COPN. This interference in the marketplace would cause inequity and continue to allow hospitals to choose winners and losers in the market of medical services. 

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Regulatory Reform Bills Update 1/29

REGULATORY REFORM

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB1555 – Healthcare Sand Box

Status: This bill will be voted on in the House Health Subcommittee THIS MORNING, 1/29, at 9AM in House Committee Room C-206.

Requires the Department of Health to establish the Health Care Regulatory Sandbox Program to enable a person to obtain limited access to the market in the Commonwealth to temporarily test an innovative health care product or service on a limited basis. 

Please contact these Senators right away and ask them to VOTE YES on HB1555!

Subcommittee: HealthDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB932 – Accessory Dwelling Unit Zoning Standardization

Status: This bill is on the Senate Second Reading Calendar today, 1/29. It is on the Senate Third Reading Calendar TOMORROW, 1/30, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill establishes statewide standards for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), promoting housing flexibility by requiring localities to permit ADUs in single-family residential zones. The legislation balances local regulatory needs with homeowner rights, creating a streamlined process for ADU development while maintaining reasonable restrictions on size, location, and occupancy to protect neighborhood characteristics and property values.

Find your Senator’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE YES on SB932!

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bills Update 1/29

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1552 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals

STATUS: This bill was on the House Second Reading Calendar yesterday, 1/28. It is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/29, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill would further entrench Virginia in the problems caused by the Certificate of Public Need program. It would allow certain hospitals, defined as critical access hospitals, to receive an exemption from COPN. This interference in the market place would cause inequity and continue to allow hospitals to choose winners and losers in the market of medical services. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1552!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1037 – School-based Telehealth and Mental Health Services

STATUS: This bill was on the House Second Reading Calendar yesterday, 1/28. It is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/29, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Empowers local school boards to increase healthcare access by allowing students to receive telehealth and mental health services during school hours, respecting parental rights through consent requirements. The bill preserves local control by letting school boards develop their own policies while ensuring student privacy and preventing disciplinary action for receiving healthcare services. This approach expands healthcare options without mandating participation, aligning with principles of individual choice and limited government intervention.

Please contact these Senators immediately and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1037

Senate Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538[email protected]
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511[email protected]
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539[email protected]
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540[email protected]
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535[email protected]
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526[email protected]
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529[email protected]
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502[email protected]
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506[email protected]
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528[email protected]
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525[email protected]
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534[email protected]

BILL UPDATES –OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB1177 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals

STATUS: This bill was passed on the Senate floor yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

This bill would further entrench Virginia in the problems caused by the Certificate of Public Need program. It would allow certain hospitals, defined as critical access hospitals, to receive an exemption from COPN. This interference in the market place would cause inequity and continue to allow hospitals to choose winners and losers in the market of medical services. 

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2119 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the House Health Subcommittee yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the full House Health and Human Services Committee.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

SUPPORT: SB1064 – Medical Care Facilities Certificate of Public Need Process Reform

STATUS: This bill passed on the Senate floor yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

This bill streamlines the certificate of public need (COPN) process for medical facilities by establishing an expedited 90-day review for certain psychiatric services, creating clear criteria for project reviews, and ensuring efficient processing of applications. The reforms maintain oversight of healthcare facility expansion while reducing regulatory burden through more efficient approval processes, supporting increased access to behavioral health services.

SUPPORT: SB1203 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the Senate Health Subcommittee yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the full Senate Education and Health Committee.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”