Virginia Military Legislation & Policies

Latest Status

Open Enrollment Flexibility: Virginia Governor Signed Final Legislation

Demographic Data

State residents include:

115,397 active-duty service members
49,485 active-duty spouses
98,061 active-duty children
56,785 National Guard and reserve members
21,480 National Guard and reserve spouses
34,785 National Guard and reserve children

Data source: DMDC, Aug. 31, 2024.

Christopher Arnold

Mid-Atlantic Regional Liaison

Mid-Atlantic Region

DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, VA, WV

EMAIL

Mr. Arnold became Mid-Atlantic liaison in 2020. Prior to joining the DSLO, he spent eight years as a top-level staffer in both houses of the New York legislature, four years as director of public affairs in New York's third-largest city and three years managing several units of county government. Mr. Arnold is a former journalist and U.S. Army combat veteran.

State-Specific Progress on State Policy Priorities and Sub-Priorities

See the latest status on legislation and policies being advanced in this state on state policy priorities important to military families. Find quick access to this state’s regional liaison, along with demographic data for the military community in this state.

No Action
Bill introduced
Priority advanced
Policy Passed
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Medicaid Waivers

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

03/27/2015

Allow Service Members to Retain Their Earned Priority for Receiving Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services Waivers Final Legislation

Allows the dependent of an active duty military member to maintain their position on the waiting list following a transfer out of the Commonwealth provided the member maintains Virginia as their State of legal residence.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Military Spouse Teacher Certification3/3 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Expediting Applications

01/10/2022SB 154

04/11/2022

Expediting Applications Final Legislation

Chapter 545 required the Board of Education's licensure regulations for military spouse teacher licensure to determine and communicative individual eligibility for reciprocity within 15 business days of receipt of a completed application packet.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Temporary Licensing

04/04/2018

Temporary Licensing Final Legislation

Establishes endorsement if they have a license in good standing from another state.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Improving Endorsements

04/04/2018

Improving Endorsements Final Legislation

Establishes endorsement if they have a license in good standing from another state.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Veteran Hiring Protection

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Purple Star Schools Program

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

10/23/2018

Purple Star Schools Program Final Legislation

The Virginia Purple Star Designation is awarded to military-friendly schools that have demonstrated a major commitment to students and families connected to our nation’s military. Schools that earn the award will receive a special Purple Star recognition to display onsite.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Advance Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

02/18/2019HB 1623

02/04/2019HB 1623

03/14/2019

Advance Enrollment Final Legislation

Allows military students to enroll in gaining school once military orders are in hand.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Service Member Licensure and Credit

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

01/26/2012HB-195

02/02/2015SB-1335

04/11/2022

Licensure and Academic Credit for Separating Service Members Final Legislation

Chapter 330 requires all public institutions of higher education to map all possible credit for military education, experience, training and credentials evaluated by the American Council on Education to their degree programs and award the maximum possible credit.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Virtual School Enrollment

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

09/29/2020

Virtual School Enrollment Final Legislation

Virginia code 22.1-212.2 establishes a public virtual network which includes both state and local virtual systems. Code 22.1-3 establishes free access to the virtual network for military children involved in permanent change of duty stations or moving on and off station.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

In-State Tuition Continuity

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

03/13/2007

In-State Tuition Continuity Final Legislation

Section 23-7.4, E. added, \"Date of alleged entitlement\" means the date of admission or acceptance for dependents currently residing in Virginia or the final add/drop date for dependents of members newly transferred to Virginia.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Pro Bono Representation

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Ask the Question Campaign

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

State Employment Protections1/2 Sub-priorities passed

SUB-PRIORITIES

HOUSE

SENATE

ENACTED

Uniform Services & Reemployment Rights Act

02/10/2016HB-111

02/22/2018HB-146

03/09/2018

Uniform Services & Reemployment Rights Act Final Legislation

National Guard Protection Act.

For more information, view the full legislative or policy details.

Enforcement

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

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Emeritus Priorities

Status and Demographic Content

State Details

Regional Liaison

Other Content

Map Legend

Emeritus Priorities

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