Virginia · 2026 Regular Session · Bill
SB 718: Virginia National Guard; power of Governor to summon in certain circumstances.
In committee Official data
- Introduced
- In committee
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Enacted
Last official action: ·Record last updated:
Plain-language summary
SB 718 is a bill introduced in the Virginia Senate on January 14, 2026. According to its official title, it concerns: Virginia National Guard; power of Governor to summon in certain circumstances. Primary sponsor: Schuyler VanValkenburg (Democratic). Most recent recorded action (February 4, 2026): Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N).
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.
Virginia National Guard; power of Governor to summon in certain circumstances; mobilization under federal authority; annual report. Provides that the Governor, within 48 hours of ordering the deployment of the Virginia National Guard, shall inform, in writing, the General Assembly of such deployment. The bill also provides that the Governor shall summon the General Assembly if he wishes for such a deployment to continue for longer than two weeks, and the General Assembly may pass a joint resolution by simple majority authorizing the continuation of such deployment. The bill also requires the Adjutant General to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing federal and state deployments of the Virginia National Guard and other matters relating to retention, readiness, funding, and resources. The bill clarifies that the Virginia National Guard's role in counterdrug operations is limited to that of support, as opposed to direct law enforcement. The bill also prohibits the Governor from calling forth the Virginia National Guard for the purpose of intimidating, threatening, or coercing, or attempting to intimidate, threaten, or coerce, a person in giving his vote or ballot or to deter or prevent such person from voting. The bill provides several measures to be followed in the event of Virginia National Guard mobilization under federal authority either within or outside the Commonwealth, and such measures are enumerated within the bill.
Sponsors
Sponsors by party (alphabetical): Democratic 1
| Name | Role | Party | Chamber | District |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schuyler VanValkenburg | Primary sponsor | Democratic | Senate | 16 |
“Support” is shown only as formal sponsorship recorded by the legislature. Roll-call votes are available on the official bill page.
Recent official actions
- Stricken at request of Patron in General Laws and Technology (13-Y 0-N)
- Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB718)
- Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
- Presented and ordered printed 26105292D