Alcoholic beverage control; operation of government stores, tastings.
Summary
Alcoholic beverage control; operation of government stores; tastings. Allows an authorized employee of the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority to conduct an organized tasting event at a government store. The bill also clarifies that any products used in connection with distilled spirits as approved by the Board may be sold at government stores. The bill also removes the option to obtain a permit to purchase certain grain spirits or alcohol with a proof greater than 151 from government stores for commercial or culinary use.
Bill status
signed
all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House of Delegates Passage
Feb 2026
Senate Passage
Feb 2026
Signed into Law
Apr 2026
Introduced Jan 12, 2026
Signed Apr 6, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 3 comparisons
What changed between versions
Enrolled
→
Chaptered
·
2 edits
MINOR
This bill converts HB 385 from an 'Enrolled' draft to its final 'Chaptered' form, meaning it has officially become law (Chapter 128 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly). The substantive text of the law regarding government store operations and tasting rules remains unchanged, but the version now includes the official approval date of April 6, 2026, and standard formatting adjustments required for publication.
Scope change
The scope of the law itself has not changed; only the document's status has shifted from a draft to an enacted statute.
TIMELINE
Added the official approval date of April 6, 2026, and assigned the bill to Chapter 128 of the 2026 Acts of Assembly, finalizing its legal status.
TECHNICAL
Adjusted formatting and spacing to conform to the official style required for published state laws, while keeping the legislative text identical to the previous version.
Floor votes · Senate Feb 24, 2026 · House of Delegates Jan 28, 2026
How they voted
37–1
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 39
Feb 24, 2026
D
Democratic20
100% Yea
R
Republican19
89% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
30
Key actions
12
Committee
7
Amendments
2
Apr 6, 2026
Signed into law
Approved by Governor-Chapter 128 (effective 7/1/2026)
executive
Feb 26, 2026
Upper · Passed
Signed by President
upper
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Signed by Speaker
lower
Feb 26, 2026
Lower · Passed
Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB385ER)
lower
Feb 24, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed Senate (38-Y 1-N 0-A)
upper
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Passed by for the day (Voice Vote)
upper
Feb 20, 2026
Upper · Passed
Reported from Rehabilitation and Social Services (15-Y 0-N)
upper
Jan 29, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services
upper
Jan 28, 2026
Lower · Passed
Read third time and passed House (91-Y 5-N 0-A)
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Introduced
Engrossed by House as amended
lower
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
committee amendments agreed to
lower
Jan 22, 2026
Lower · Passed
Reported from General Laws with amendment(s) (20-Y 1-N)
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (8-Y 1-N)
lower
Jan 20, 2026
Lower · Passed
House subcommittee offered
lower
Jan 19, 2026
Committee
Assigned HGL sub: ABC/Gaming
lower
Jan 12, 2026
Committee
Referred to Committee on General Laws
lower
1 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
DDemocratic
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