Virginia
Virginia matters as precedent. Its High-Risk AI Developer and Deployer Act, HB 2094, passed the legislature in 2025 and would have made Virginia the second state with a comprehensive AI law, and the governor vetoed it, citing burden on innovation. No broad AI law is in force; narrower measures, including chatbot legislation in the 2026 session, have moved instead.
Key points
- HB 2094 passed both chambers in 2025 and was vetoed in March 2025.
- The veto made Virginia the clearest example of executive resistance to state AI frameworks.
- The Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act's profiling provisions still reach AI systems; a chatbot bill advanced in 2026.
Laws and instruments
HB 2094: High-Risk AI Developer and Deployer Act
Comprehensive high-risk AI framework passed by the legislature and vetoed by the governor in 2025. Not law.
Timeline
- February 2025HB 2094 passes both chambers.
- March 2025Governor vetoes HB 2094.
- 2026Chatbot legislation advances in the new session.
Who it applies to
No comprehensive AI duties. The VCDPA's automated-profiling opt-outs apply to AI systems handling Virginians' personal data.
Penalties
None AI-specific; VCDPA enforcement by the Attorney General.
Common questions
Does United States: Virginia have a comprehensive AI law?
What are the penalties for AI violations in United States: Virginia?
Who does AI regulation in United States: Virginia apply to?
Artificial Intelligence Regulations, "AI Regulation in Virginia," reviewed July 16, 2026, https://artificialintelligenceregulations.com/jurisdictions/virginia.html.
Entries state the position as of the review date and link to the primary text for verification.