SB356
American Indians, Virginia and federally recognized tribes; establishes definitions, sovereignty.
Status:
In Senate
Latest Action:
Feb. 12, 2026
Senate: Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N)
Chief Patron:
Ryan McDougle (R)
Session:
2026 Regular Session
Summary
As Introduced. Definitions; American Indians; Virginia recognized tribes; federally recognized tribes; sovereignty.
Provides that the Commonwealth acknowledges the inherent sovereignty of federally recognized tribes within the present-day external boundaries of the Commonwealth. The bill also establishes definitions for 'American Indian,' 'federally recognized tribe,' and 'Virginia recognized tribe' and amends various sections throughout the Code for the purpose of uniformity in terminology. This ... (More) bill is a recommendation of the Commission on Updating Virginia Law to Reflect Federal Recognition of Virginia Tribes. (Less)-
Bill History
- 01/13/2026 - Senate: Prefiled and ordered printed; Offered 01-14-2026 26100476D
- 01/13/2026 - Senate: Referred to Committee on General Laws and Technology
- 01/26/2026 - Senate: Fiscal Impact Statement from Department of Planning and Budget (SB356)
- 02/11/2026 - Senate: Reported from General Laws and Technology and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (15-Y 0-N)
- 02/11/2026 - Senate: Rereferred to General Laws and Technology
- 02/11/2026 - Senate: Rereferred to Finance and Appropriations
- 02/12/2026 - Senate: Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N)
