Virginia 2026 Homeless Encampment Bill
Virginia 2026 Homeless Encampment Bill — Bill introduced by Virginia Democrats to ban localities from clearing homeless encampments.
Summary
This bill would make it illegal for Virginia cities and counties to fine people for setting up permanent encampments in:
- Parks
- Underpasses
- Medians
- All other public spaces
Critics describe this as creating "California-style tent cities" across the Commonwealth.
Legislative Status (as of Feb 18, 2026)
- Status: Unknown — bill number not identified in tracked legislation
- Note: This article tracks a bill to ban local governments from clearing homeless encampments. The specific bill number was not included in the current tracking list. Check Virginia LIS for current status.
- Update: As of Feb 18, 2026 (crossover deadline), bills not passed out of their chamber of origin are considered failed or continued for the 2026 session.