HB 591: Data centers; policy of the Commonwealth.

Official summary

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

Policy of the Commonwealth; data centers. Provides that it is the policy of the Commonwealth to encourage the responsible operation of data centers in the Commonwealth while supporting grid reliability, affordability, and the deployment of renewable resources. The bill provides that in furtherance of this policy, the Commonwealth shall (i) promote coordination between data centers, state agencies, and regional grid operators to share information on energy usage, interconnection timelines, and barriers to rapid deployment of renewable and flexible energy resources; (ii) incentivize data centers to participate in demand response programs, implement energy storage and management systems, and leverage automated technologies to reduce peak demand and support grid stability; (iii) encourage flexible energy practices that allow data centers to adjust energy consumption in real time in alignment with available renewable generation; (iv) ensure large-scale data centers pay their fair share of infrastructure investments, mitigating impacts on residential and small business ratepayers; (v) require data centers to report water and aggregated energy usage, sustainability measures, and participation in grid support programs to appropriate state and federal agencies; and (vi) promote cybersecurity, physical security, and supply chain security measures to protect Virginia data center operations from foreign adversary access or compromise.

Sponsors

Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 8

“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. March 9, 2026Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 0-N)
2. March 9, 2026Reported from Commerce and Labor and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (11-Y 4-N)
3. February 18, 2026Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
4. February 18, 2026Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
5. February 17, 2026Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (HB591)
6. February 17, 2026Read third time and passed House (62-Y 34-N 0-A)
7. February 16, 2026Engrossed by House as amended
8. February 16, 2026committee amendments agreed to
9. February 16, 2026Read second time
10. February 15, 2026Read first time
11. February 12, 2026Reported from Labor and Commerce with amendment(s) (13-Y 7-N)
12. February 10, 2026Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (6-Y 3-N)

Showing 12 most recent of 17 actions. Full history