Sign Up
SB 36 Virginia Senate · 2026 Regular Session

Child abuse or neglect; prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug as prescribed.

Summary
Child abuse or neglect; prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug as prescribed. Clarifies that a pregnant woman's prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug as prescribed by such woman's health care provider shall not solely be a reason to suspect that a child is abused or neglected.
Issues: ✓ Criminal JusticeSupports Criminal JusticePrevents criminalization of medically prescribed drug use during pregnancy, reducing unnecessary child welfare investigations that could escalate to criminal justice involvement.90% confidence ✓ HealthcareSupports HealthcareClarifies prescribed prenatal medication use won't trigger child abuse allegations, protecting patient access to healthcare without fear of punitive action.90% confidence
Bill status in committee 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Nov 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Nov 19, 2025 Last action Jan 23, 2026
Floor votes

How they voted

No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
4
Key actions
0
Committee
1
Nov 19, 2025
Committee
Referred to Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services
upper
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors

Sponsors

Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Photo of Barbara Favola
Barbara Favola
DDemocratic
VA
40
Co
Photo of Saddam Salim
Saddam Salim
DDemocratic
VA
37
Co
Photo of Tara Durant
Tara Durant
RRepublican
VA
27
Co
Photo of Todd Pillion
Todd Pillion
RRepublican
VA
6