Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 542: Abortion; informed written consent, newborn safety devices.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 542 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Abortion; informed written consent, newborn safety devices. Primary sponsor: Karen Hamilton (Republican). Most recent recorded action (February 18, 2026): Left in Committee Health and Human Services.
Generated automatically from the official title, sponsor list, and status record only. It does not characterize the bill’s purpose or effects. How summaries are written
Official summary
Abstract published by the legislature (via Open States). Text as published by the legislature; reproduced verbatim.
Provision of abortion; informed written consent; newborn safety devices. Requires the physician or advanced practice registered nurse authorized to perform an abortion, induction, or termination to provide certain written information regarding newborn safety devices for the purposes of effectuating a pregnant woman's informed written consent prior to the abortion, induction, or termination. The bill directs the Department of Health to publish by October 1, 2026, in English and in each language that is the primary language of two percent or more of the population of the Commonwealth, such information relating to newborn safety devices in such a way as to ensure that the information is easily comprehensible.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Republican 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Karen Hamilton | Primary sponsor | Republican | House | 62 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Left in Committee Health and Human Services
- Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (7-Y 1-N)
- House subcommittee offered
- Assigned sub: Health
- Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26105011D