Virginia 2024 Regular Session Status: Enacted

SB 237 — Contraception; establishes right to obtain, applicability, enforcement.

Last action — Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 17, 2024

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House of Delegates
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 09, 2024. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin (Republican) on March 07, 2024.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 74% · moderate confidence

Where this bill stands today.

Odds of enactment

High

How often bills like it became law.

  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 3 sponsors

    1 primary, 2 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 6 recorded votes so far.

Prognosis reads this bill's own signals — stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes and cross-state momentum. Odds come from a model trained on which bills have become law.

Summary

Contraception; right to contraception; applicability; enforcement. Establishes a right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, as defined in the bill. The bill creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such right. This bill is identical to HB 609.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

30 added · 56 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendment to Bill SB 237 solidifies an individual's right to access contraception, independent of federal constitutional requirements. It emphasizes that access to contraception is a public policy priority in Virginia, referencing landmark Supreme Court cases that established rights related to birth control. This change is significant because it aims to protect access to contraceptive options against potential legal challenges at the federal level, ensuring that residents can make personal health decisions without unnecessary barriers.

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SESSION ENROLLED VIRGINIA ACTS OF ASSEMBLY –– CHAPTER E An Act to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 21, consisting of contraception;
SESSION SENATE SUBSTITUTE 24109328D AMENDMENT IN THE NATURE OF A SUBSTITUTE (Proposed by the Governor on April 8, 2024) A BILL to provide that individuals possess the right to access contraception independently of the requirements of the Constitution of the United States.
applicability;
enforcement.32.1-378, relating to contraception;
right to R O [S 237] L Approved L Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:
E 1.
That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 32.1 a chapter numbered 21, consistiDg of sections numbered 32.1-376, 32.1-377CHAPTER 21.378, as follows:
CONTRACEPTION.
§ 32.1-376.
Right to contraception.
A.
For the purposes of this chapter, unless the context requires a different meaning:
"Contraception" means an action taken to prevent pregnancy, including the use of contraceptives or sterilization procedures.
"Contraceptive" means any drug, device, or biological product intended for use in the prevenBion of pregnancy, whether specifically intended to prevent pregnancy or for other health needs, that i3 legally contraceptives, long-acting reversible contraceptives such as intrauterine devices and hormonalEl contraceptive implants, emergency contraceptives, internal and external condoms, injectables, vaginal barrier methods, transdermal patches, and vaginal rings.
"Health care provider" means the same as that term is defined in § 8.01-581.1.
B.
A person shall have the right to obtain contraceptives and to engage in contraception.
A health care provider shall have the right to provide contraceptives and contraception-related information.
C.
The rights specified in subsection B shall not be infringed upon by any law, regulation, or policy that expressly or effectively limits, delays, or impedes access to contraceptives or information related to conD.
To defend against a claim that a law, regulation, or policy violates a health care provider's or patient's statutory rights under subsection B, a party must establish, by clear and convincing evidence, that:
The law, regulation, or policy significantly advances the safety of contraceptives, contraception, and contraception-related information;
§ 1.
and the safety of contraceptives, contraception, and contraception-related information or the health of patients cannot be advanced by a less restrictive alternative measure or action;
That it shall be the public policy of the Commonwealth, independently of the requirements of the Constitution of the United States, that individuals possess the right to access contraception as set forth in Griswold v.
or 2.
Connecticut, 381 U.S.
The law, regulation, or policy that is being applied to contraception is also being applied to other med§ 32.1-377.
479 (1965), and Eisenstadt v.
Applicability.ces, or biological products.
Baird, 405 U.S.
A.
438 (1972).
Neither the Commonwealth nor any locality may administer, implement, or enforce any law, rule, regulation, standard, or other provision having the force and effect of law in a manner that:
S E N A T E S U B S T I / T U T E B S 2
1.
Prohibits or restricts the sale, provision, or use of any contraceptives that have been approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration for contraceptive purposes.
2.
Prohibits or restricts any person from aiding another person in obtaining any contraceptives approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration or utilizing any contraceptive methods.
3.
Exempts any contraceptives approved by the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration from any other contraceptives or contraceptive methods.ould make it more difficult to sell, provide, obtain, or use those B.
An individual or entity that is subject to a law, regulation, or policy that violates this chapter may raise this section as a defense to any cause of action against the individual or entity.
§ 32.1-378.
Enforcement.
A.
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The attorney general may commence a civil action on behalf of the state against any person that violates or enforces a law, regulation, or policy that violates the provisions of this chapter.
B.
Any individual or entity, including any health care provider or patient, adversely affected by an alleged violation of this chapter may commence a civil action against any person that violates or impC.
A health care provider may commence an action for relief on the provider's own behalf, on behalf of the provider's staff, and on behalf of the provider's patients who are or may be adversely affected by of 2 an alleged violation of this chapter.
D.
If a court finds that there has been a violation of this chapter, the court shall hold unlawful and set aside the law, regulation, or policy.
In any action under this chapter, the court may award appropriate equitable relief, including temporary, preliminary, or permanent injunctive relief.
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Action History

  1. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., May 17, 2024

  2. Communicated to Governor

  3. Passed by for the day

  4. Governor's substitute printed 24109328D-S2

  5. Governor's recommendation received by Senate

  6. Governor's Action Deadline 11:59 p.m., April 8, 2024

  7. Enrolled Bill Communicated to Governor on March 11, 2024

  8. Signed by President

  9. Signed by Speaker

  10. Impact statement from DPB (SB237ER)

  11. Bill text as passed Senate and House (SB237ER)

  12. Enrolled

  13. VOTE: Passage (53-Y 43-N)

  14. Passed House (53-Y 43-N)

  15. Read third time

  16. Read second time

  17. Reported from Health and Human Services (13-Y 8-N)

  18. Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 2-N)

  19. Assigned sub: Health

  20. Referred to Committee on Health and Human Services

  21. Read first time

  22. Placed on Calendar

  23. Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N)

  24. Impact statement from DPB (SB237S1)

  25. Engrossed by Senate - committee substitute SB237S1

  26. Committee substitute agreed to 24107290D-S1

  27. Reading of substitute waived

  28. Read second time

  29. Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N)

  30. Substitute bill reprinted 24107290D-S1

  31. Committee substitute printed 24107290D-S1

  32. Reported from Education and Health with substitute (9-Y 6-N)

  33. Senate subcommittee amendments and substitutes offered

  34. Assigned Education and Health Sub: Health

  35. Impact statement from DPB (SB237)

  36. Referred to Committee on Education and Health

  37. Prefiled and ordered printed; offered 01/10/24 24101787D

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 2 co-sponsors · 145 not signed on · 63 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (2)

Not signed on (145)

145 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 145 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

VOTE: Passage (53-Y 43-N)

Passed 52 Yea · 43 Nay · 4 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 524304
Total 524304
% of votes cast 53%43%0%4%
How each member voted (99)
Member Party Vote
Adele Y. McClure — Yea
Alex Q. Askew — Yea
Alfonso H. Lopez — Yea
Amy J. Laufer — Yea
Anne Ferrell Tata — Nay
Arnold, Jonathan, E. P. — Nay
Atoosa R. Reaser — Yea
Batten, Amanda E. — Nay
Betsy B. Carr — Yea
Bill Wiley — Nay
Bonita G. Anthony — Yea
Briana D. Sewell — Yea
Bulova, David L. — Yea
C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr. — Yea
Charniele L. Herring — Yea
Chris S. Runion — Nay
Convirs-Fowler, Kelly K. — Yea
Cordoza, A.C. — Nay
Coyner, Carrie E. — Yea
Dan I. Helmer — Yea
David A. Reid — Yea
Debra D. Gardner — Yea
Delores L. McQuinn — Yea
Delores Oates — Not Voting
Earley, Mark L., Jr. — Nay
Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker — Yea
Ellen H. McLaughlin — Nay
Ennis, N. Baxter — Not Voting
Eric Phillips — Nay
Eric R. Zehr — Nay
Fowler, Hyland F."Buddy," Jr. — Nay
Freitas, Nicholas J. — Nay
Gilbert, C. Todd — Nay
Green, W. Chad — Nay
H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. — Nay
Higgins, Geary — Nay
Holly M. Seibold — Yea
Irene Shin — Not Voting
Israel D. O'Quinn — Nay
Jackie H. Glass — Yea
James A. "Jay" Leftwich — Nay
James W. Morefield — Nay
Jason S. Ballard — Nay
Jeion A. Ward — Yea
Joseph P. McNamara — Nay
Joshua E. Thomas — Yea
Joshua G. Cole — Yea
Kannan Srinivasan — Yea
Karen Keys-Gamarra — Yea
Karrie K. Delaney — Yea
Kathy K.L. Tran — Yea
Katrina Callsen — Yea
Kent, Hillary Pugh — Nay
Knight, Barry D. — Not Voting
Laura Jane Cohen — Yea
LeVere Bolling, Destiny — Yea
Lovejoy, Ian T. — Nay
Luke E. Torian — Yea
M. Keith Hodges — Nay
Maldonado, Michelle Lopes — Yea
Marcia S. "Cia" Price — Yea
Marcus B. Simon — Yea
Marshall, Daniel W., III — Nay
Marty Martinez — Yea
Michael B. Feggans — Yea
Michael J. Jones — Yea
Michael J. Webert — Nay
Mike A. Cherry — Nay
Milde, Paul V. — Nay
Mundon King, Candi — Yea
Nadarius E. Clark — Yea
Obenshain, Chris — Nay
Orrock, Robert D., Sr. — Nay
Owen, David — Yea
Patrick A. Hope — Yea
Paul E. Krizek — Yea
Phil M. Hernandez — Yea
Phillip A. Scott — Nay
R. Lee Ware — Nay
Rae Cousins — Yea
Richard C. "Rip" Sullivan, Jr. — Yea
Robert S. Bloxom, Jr. — Nay
Rodney T. Willett — Yea
Rozia A. Henson, Jr. — Yea
Sam Rasoul — Yea
Scott A. Wyatt — Nay
Shelly A. Simonds — Yea
Sickles, Mark D. — Yea
Taylor, Kim A. — Yea
Terry G. Kilgore — Nay
Terry L. Austin — Nay
Thomas A. Garrett, Jr. — Nay
Thomas C. Wright, Jr. — Nay
Timothy P. Griffin — Nay
Tony O. Wilt — Nay
Vivian E. Watts — Yea
Wendell S. Walker — Nay
Will Davis — Nay
Wren M. Williams — Nay

Official roll call →

Reported from Health and Human Services (13-Y 8-N)

Passed 13 Yea · 8 Nay · 1 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 13801
Total 13801
% of votes cast 59%36%0%5%
How each member voted (22)
Member Party Vote
C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr. — Yea
Charniele L. Herring — Yea
Debra D. Gardner — Yea
Ennis, N. Baxter — Nay
H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. — Nay
Higgins, Geary — Nay
Irene Shin — Yea
Joshua G. Cole — Yea
Kannan Srinivasan — Yea
Kathy K.L. Tran — Yea
M. Keith Hodges — Nay
Marcia S. "Cia" Price — Yea
Mike A. Cherry — Nay
Orrock, Robert D., Sr. — Nay
Owen, David — Yea
Patrick A. Hope — Yea
Phillip A. Scott — Nay
Rodney T. Willett — Yea
Rozia A. Henson, Jr. — Yea
Sickles, Mark D. — Yea
Taylor, Kim A. — Not Voting
Wendell S. Walker — Nay

Official roll call →

Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N)

Passed 21 Yea · 19 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 211900
Total 211900
% of votes cast 53%48%0%0%
How each member voted (40)
Member Party Vote
Aaron R. Rouse — Yea
Angelia Williams Graves — Yea
Barbara A. Favola — Yea
Bill DeSteph — Nay
Bryce E. Reeves — Nay
Carroll Foy, Jennifer D. — Yea
Christie New Craig — Nay
Christopher T. Head — Nay
Danica A. Roem — Yea
David R. Suetterlein — Nay
David W. Marsden — Yea
Ebbin, Adam P. — Yea
Emily M. Jordan — Nay
Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. — Nay
Hashmi, Ghazala F. — Yea
J.D. "Danny" Diggs — Nay
Jennifer B. Boysko — Yea
Jeremy S. McPike — Yea
L. Louise Lucas — Yea
Lamont Bagby — Yea
Lashrecse D. Aird — Yea
Mamie E. Locke — Yea
Mark D. Obenshain — Nay
Mark J. Peake — Nay
McGuire, John J., III — Nay
R. Creigh Deeds — Yea
Richard H. Stuart — Nay
Russet Perry — Yea
Ryan T. McDougle — Nay
Saddam Azlan Salim — Yea
Schuyler T. VanValkenburg — Yea
Scott A. Surovell — Yea
Stella G. Pekarsky — Yea
Subramanyam, Suhas — Yea
T. Travis Hackworth — Nay
Tammy Brankley Mulchi — Nay
Tara A. Durant — Nay
Timmy French — Nay
Todd E. Pillion — Nay
William M. Stanley, Jr. — Nay

Official roll call →

Reported from Education and Health with substitute (9-Y 6-N)

Passed 9 Yea · 6 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 9600
Total 9600
% of votes cast 60%40%0%0%
How each member voted (15)
Member Party Vote
Barbara A. Favola — Yea
Christie New Craig — Nay
Christopher T. Head — Nay
David R. Suetterlein — Nay
Hashmi, Ghazala F. — Yea
Jennifer B. Boysko — Yea
L. Louise Lucas — Yea
Lamont Bagby — Yea
Lashrecse D. Aird — Yea
Mamie E. Locke — Yea
Mark J. Peake — Nay
Schuyler T. VanValkenburg — Yea
Stella G. Pekarsky — Yea
Tara A. Durant — Nay
Todd E. Pillion — Nay

Official roll call →

Constitutional reading dispensed (40-Y 0-N)

Passed 40 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Unaffiliated 40000
Total 40000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (40)
Member Party Vote
Aaron R. Rouse — Yea
Angelia Williams Graves — Yea
Barbara A. Favola — Yea
Bill DeSteph — Yea
Bryce E. Reeves — Yea
Carroll Foy, Jennifer D. — Yea
Christie New Craig — Yea
Christopher T. Head — Yea
Danica A. Roem — Yea
David R. Suetterlein — Yea
David W. Marsden — Yea
Ebbin, Adam P. — Yea
Emily M. Jordan — Yea
Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. — Yea
Hashmi, Ghazala F. — Yea
J.D. "Danny" Diggs — Yea
Jennifer B. Boysko — Yea
Jeremy S. McPike — Yea
L. Louise Lucas — Yea
Lamont Bagby — Yea
Lashrecse D. Aird — Yea
Mamie E. Locke — Yea
Mark D. Obenshain — Yea
Mark J. Peake — Yea
McGuire, John J., III — Yea
R. Creigh Deeds — Yea
Richard H. Stuart — Yea
Russet Perry — Yea
Ryan T. McDougle — Yea
Saddam Azlan Salim — Yea
Schuyler T. VanValkenburg — Yea
Scott A. Surovell — Yea
Stella G. Pekarsky — Yea
Subramanyam, Suhas — Yea
T. Travis Hackworth — Yea
Tammy Brankley Mulchi — Yea
Tara A. Durant — Yea
Timmy French — Yea
Todd E. Pillion — Yea
William M. Stanley, Jr. — Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

civil-rights health-insurance
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Frequently asked questions

What does SB 237 do?
Contraception; right to contraception; applicability; enforcement. Establishes a right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception, as defined in the bill. The bill creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such right. This bill is identical to HB 609.
Who sponsors SB 237?
SB 237 is sponsored by Jennifer B. Boysko, Angelia Williams Graves, and Ghazala F. Hashmi.
What is the current status of SB 237?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced January 09, 2024. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 237?
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