EV Legislative Update, Week of Jan. 27, 2020

Today begins the fourth week of the 60-day legislative session in Richmond. Two electric vehicle bills have already made significant progress. Several other pieces of legislation have hearings on the agenda today and tomorrow.

Action on Two Virginia Bills

Here is an update for EV-related legislation in Richmond:

SB 630, a “Right-to-Charge” bill has passed the Senate (39-Y 1-N). This bill, sponsored by Senator Scott Surovell aims to make it easier for residents to install EV charging equipment at condos and homes governed by an HOA. It will head to the House next.

HB 511 was reported from the Transportation Committee with amendments (20-Y 2-N). This would give authority to enable state government agencies to operate retail fee-based electric vehicle charging stations on property controlled by the agency. This bill, sponsored by Del. David Bulova, is similar to charging station legislation he got passed in 2018.

Hearings This Week in Richmond

SB 988 would authorize Dominion Energy to implement projects to encourage the adoption of electric school buses. It is on the agenda for today’s Senate Commerce and Labor, Energy Subcommittee meeting scheduled for 4:00 PM.

HB 1414 which includes a highway use fee for electric vehicles is scheduled today in the House Transportation, Motor Vehicles Subcommittee at 4:00 PM. If HB 1414 is reported favorably at this subcommittee meeting, it will be considered tomorrow, January 28, in the full Transportation Committee meeting, scheduled at 9:00 AM.

An Virginia EV Rebate bill, HB 717, is on the agenda tomorrow in the House Transportation, Transportation Innovations & General Topics Subcommittee at 4:00 PM.