HB 1266: Environmental Justice in Permitting Process Guidance Memo; DEQ to publish an updated version.

Official summary

Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.

Department of Environmental Quality; Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance Memo; cumulative impacts. Directs the Department of Environmental Quality to publish an updated version of the Environmental Justice in the Permitting Process Guidance Memo for public comment. The bill requires the updated memo to consider how to assess the cumulative impacts of the types of permits covered in the guidance memo and outreach strategies to engage communities impacted by any such permit. The bill requires the public comment period process to include two public town halls held no later than July 31, 2026, and requires the Department to respond to the public comments by October 31, 2026. The Department is required to issue the final guidance memo by December 31, 2026.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 2

“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.

Recent official actions

1. April 8, 2026Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0461)
2. April 8, 2026Approved by Governor-Chapter 461 (effective 7/1/2026)
3. April 1, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB1266)
4. March 31, 2026Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 13, 2026
5. March 31, 2026Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 31, 2026
6. March 31, 2026Signed by Speaker
7. March 30, 2026Signed by President
8. March 30, 2026Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1266ER)
9. March 30, 2026Enrolled
10. March 11, 2026Senate substitute agreed to by House (65-Y 34-N 0-A)
11. March 10, 2026Passed Senate with substitute (22-Y 18-N 0-A)
12. March 10, 2026Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute

Showing 12 most recent of 40 actions. Full history