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VA·Bill·2025 Regular Session

HB 1779

Signed into Law

Carbon-free energy or clean energy; definition of fusion energy.

Introduced 2025-01-06Last action 2025-03-19 — Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0140)Committee Commerce and Labor

Sponsor

Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr.D

Cosponsors

Dan I. Helmer(D)Delores L. McQuinn(D)Thomas A. Garrett(R)Jr.(R)Jackie H. Glass(D)
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Signed into Law

Legislative Progress

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Introduced
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In Committee
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Passed Chamber
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Enacted / Signed

Votes

Senate2025-02-13PassedSee how each member voted →
Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N)
Yea 40 · 21 D · 19 RNay 0
Senate2025-02-12PassedSee how each member voted →
Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N)
Yea 39 · 21 D · 18 RNay 0NV 0 · Absent 1
Senate2025-02-10PassedSee how each member voted →
Reported from Commerce and Labor (15-Y 0-N)
Yea 15 · 9 D · 6 RNay 0
House2025-01-27PassedSee how each member voted →
Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N)
Yea 97 · 50 D · 47 RNay 0NV 0 · Absent 3
House2025-01-21PassedSee how each member voted →
Reported from Labor and Commerce (22-Y 0-N)
Yea 22 · 12 D · 10 RNay 0
House2025-01-16PassedSee how each member voted →
Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)
Yea 10 · 6 D · 4 RNay 0NV 0 · Absent 1

Summary

This bill amends Virginia's legal definition of "carbon-free energy" or "clean energy" to explicitly include fusion energy, which is defined as energy generated through the process of fusing atomic nuclei. The legislation adds fusion energy to the existing list of carbon-free energy sources (solar, wind, hydroelectric, wave, tidal, geothermal, and nuclear) recognized under Virginia law. By formally classifying fusion energy as a clean energy source, this bill ensures that future fusion power projects would qualify for any state programs, incentives, or regulatory frameworks that apply to carbon-free or clean energy sources in Virginia.

Bill history

  1. 2025-01-06 · House
    Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-08-2025 25103048D
  2. 2025-01-06 · House
    Referred to Committee on Labor and Commerce
  3. 2025-01-13 · House
    Assigned L & C sub: Subcommittee #3
  4. 2025-01-16 · House
    Subcommittee recommends reporting (10-Y 0-N)
  5. 2025-01-21 · House
    Reported from Labor and Commerce (22-Y 0-N)
  6. 2025-01-23 · House
    Read first time
  7. 2025-01-24 · House
    Read second time and engrossed
  8. 2025-01-27 · House
    Read third time and passed House (97-Y 0-N)
  9. 2025-01-28 · Senate
    Constitutional reading dispensed (on 1st reading)
  10. 2025-01-28 · Senate
    Referred to Committee on Commerce and Labor
  11. 2025-02-10 · Senate
    Reported from Commerce and Labor (15-Y 0-N)
  12. 2025-02-12 · Senate
    Rules suspended
  13. 2025-02-12 · Senate
    Constitutional reading dispensed (on 2nd reading) (39-Y 0-N)
  14. 2025-02-12 · Senate
    Passed by for the day
  15. 2025-02-13 · Senate
    Read third time
  16. 2025-02-13 · Senate
    Passed Senate (40-Y 0-N)
  17. 2025-02-18 · House
    Enrolled
  18. 2025-02-18 · House
    Bill text as passed House and Senate (HB1779ER)
  19. 2025-02-18 · House
    Signed by Speaker
  20. 2025-02-20 · Senate
    Signed by President
  21. 2025-03-03 · House
    Enrolled Bill communicated to Governor on March 3, 2024
  22. 2025-03-03
    Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., March 24, 2025
  23. 2025-03-18 · House
    Fiscal Impact Statement from State Corporation Commission (HB1779)
  24. 2025-03-19
    Approved by Governor-Chapter 140 (Effective 07/01/25)
  25. 2025-03-19
    Acts of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0140)

Note

Historical import. Session: 2025

Full Bill Text
https://lis.blob.core.windows.net/files/1012852.PDF
View full text →