HB 277 Virginia House of Delegates · 2026 Regular Session

Zoning; wireless facility modifications, application process.

Summary
Zoning; wireless facility modifications; application process. Prohibits a locality from denying an application for the modification of an existing wireless facility if (i) the modification would not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless facility; (ii) the modification involves the co-location of new transmission equipment, the removal of transmission equipment, or the replacement of transmission equipment; and (iii) the request meets the requirements of the bill. The bill provides that a modification does not substantially change the physical dimensions of the existing wireless facility if it entails the excavation or deployment of transmission equipment within 30 feet, in any direction, of the existing wireless support structure or base station. The bill also provides various requirements for local approval within a specified timeframe, permits any applicant or locality to bring claims related to the bill to any court of competent jurisdiction, and prohibits any party, other than the applicant or locality, from having an actionable appeal for the issuance of permits or authorizations made pursuant to the bill.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Mar 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 9, 2026 Signed Apr 8, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 4 comparisons

What changed between versions

Enrolled Chaptered · 2 edits
MINOR
The bill was finalized and assigned Chapter 376 in the Virginia Acts of Assembly for the 2026 session. The text indicates the legislation was approved on April 8, 2026, and establishes a new section in the Code of Virginia to regulate zoning and the application process for wireless facility modifications.
Scope change
The bill's scope remains focused on zoning and wireless facility modifications, with no apparent change in its applicability.
TIMELINE

The bill was formally approved and enacted on April 8, 2026.

TECHNICAL

The bill was assigned Chapter 376 in the official Acts of Assembly.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 3, 2026 · House of Delegates Feb 5, 2026

How they voted

390
Passed
Total votes 39
Mar 3, 2026
D Democratic20
20 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican19
19 Yea
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
29
Key actions
10
Committee
6
Apr 8, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 376 (effective 7/1/2026)
executive
Mar 12, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by Speaker
lower
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by President
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB277ER)
lower
Mar 4, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A)
upper
Mar 3, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed by for the day Block Vote (Voice Vote)
upper
Mar 2, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from Local Government (13-Y 0-N 1-A)
upper
Feb 6, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on Local Government
upper
Feb 5, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time and passed House (90-Y 7-N 1-A)
lower
Jan 30, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute (19-Y 1-N 1-A)
lower
Jan 29, 2026
Lower · Passed
House subcommittee offered
lower
Jan 28, 2026
Committee
Assigned HCCT sub: Subcommittee #2
lower
Jan 9, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on Counties, Cities and Towns
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Holly Seibold
Holly Seibold
DDemocratic
VA
12