As reported previously, the Virginia House of Delegates passed HB1919 which would have put in place a broad range of requirements for employers to develop, implement, and maintain workplace violence prevention measures.
But on March 24, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed the bill (along with many others). Here’s what happened.
Virginia’s Missed Opportunity: HB1919 and the Battle Over Workplace Violence Prevention
Virginia’s HB1919 stood poised to make a significant impact on workplace safety, aiming to mandate comprehensive violence prevention policies for large employers. The bill, passed by the General Assembly, would have required companies with 100 or more employees to develop, implement, and maintain a workplace violence policy by January 1, 2027. These policies were to include procedures for reporting incidents, conducting post-incident investigations, and maintaining documentation for at least five years, with non-compliance potentially resulting in civil penalties up to $1,000 per violation.
However, Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed the bill on March 24, 2025, effectively halting its progress . In his veto statement, he asserted:
“While workplace safety is critical, this bill misclassifies workplace violence as a regulatory issue rather than a criminal matter. Employers already have the ability to establish workplace policies, and existing law provides recourse for victims through law enforcement and civil courts. Additionally, the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health program can already address workplace hazards, making this mandate duplicative and burdensome.”
The veto sparked criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who viewed it as a setback for worker protections. Delegate Amy Laufer remarked on the political nature of the veto session, noting that many bills with broad support were still vetoed by the governor.
Despite the setback, the issue of workplace violence remains on the legislative agenda. House Bill 1620, which directs the Department of Labor and Industry to convene a workgroup to evaluate workplace violence across the Commonwealth, is still under consideration. If enacted, this workgroup would assess the issue and submit findings and recommendations by December 1, 2026.
The debate over HB1919 underscores the ongoing tension between regulatory approaches to workplace safety and reliance on existing legal frameworks. As discussions continue, the balance between proactive prevention and existing remedies remains a focal point in Virginia’s legislative landscape.
As always, TPOP will monitor the situation and stand ready to provide support including plan development, implementation, and training to help you better protect your people, assets, and profit.