Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
HB 551: Nondegree workforce training programs; accreditation.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
HB 551 is a bill introduced in the Virginia House on January 13, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Nondegree workforce training programs; accreditation. Primary sponsor: Jessica L. Anderson. It lists 7 additional sponsors. Most recent recorded action (February 10, 2026): Continued to next session in General Laws (Voice Vote).
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.
Department of Workforce Development and Advancement; accreditation of nondegree workforce training programs. Directs the Department of Workforce Development and Advancement to establish an accreditation pathway for nondegree workforce training programs in order to align the skills of the Commonwealth's workforce with the needs of industry in the Commonwealth and to provide a workforce entrance pathway for underserved populations in the Commonwealth. The bill includes minimum standards, admissions requirements, and reporting requirements for such programs. Additionally, the bill includes provisions related to the eligibility of accredited programs for state and federal workforce funding, including the federal Workforce Pell Grant.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 6
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica L. Anderson | Primary sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Nadarius Clark | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 84 |
| Nicole Cole | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 66 |
| Liz Guzmán | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 22 |
| J.R. Henson | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 19 |
| Sam Rasoul | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 38 |
| Charlie Schmidt | Co-sponsor | Not applicable (committee) | — | — |
| Shelly Simonds | Co-sponsor | Democratic | House | 70 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Continued to next session in General Laws (Voice Vote)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB551)
- Subcommittee recommends reporting with substitute and referring to Appropriations (6-Y 3-N)
- House subcommittee offered
- Assigned HGL sub: Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process
- Referred to Committee on General Laws
- Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26104054D