NASWVA Policy
and Legislative Updates
Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.
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NASW Virginia and Metro DC are committed to keeping social workers informed on the policy issues that impact our profession and the communities we serve.
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Each week, our team monitors local, state, and federal legislation, regulatory changes, and emerging advocacy efforts. We break down what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can take action—whether it's submitting public comments, contacting legislators, or joining a coalition.
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Check back here weekly for the latest Policy & Advocacy Updates—and use the button below to access the full archive of recent reports.
​Gov. Glenn Youngkin has issued a proclamation recognizing March as Social Work Month and lauding Virginia social workers as "first responders to the human condition.
​What does NASW Virginia Chapter do to influence state policy and regulations?
Advocacy on professional practices and social justice has been core to the mission of NASW and its Virginia Chapter since its inception. The chapter monitors bills; communicates chapter stances to legislators; educates elected officials on behavioral health and social justice issues; helps craft or influence bill/resolution language; and alerts and activates social workers and chapter members and students about when and how to use their power as knowledgeable constituents to influence legislative and regulatory outcomes.
The chapter also is deeply involved in or collaborates with numerous Virginia coalitions and organizations or partners, since rarely is genuine policy progress made by advocating alone. These coalitions include the following:
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Compassionate Choices
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Solitary Confinement Coalition
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Voices for Virginia’s Children
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National Association of Mental Illness
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Poverty Law Center
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Equality Virginia
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ACLU Virginia
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What is the chapter doing now on advocacy?
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The Virginia General Assembly concluded its 45-day 2025 session on February 22, sending nearly 1,000 bills to Gov. Youngkin for review. On March 24, the governor returned a record number of bill amendments (159), 205 budget amendments, and 8 budget line-item vetoes. See below for a summary of especially relevant ones, organized by issue.
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He also signed 599 bills, including several that were top professional priorities for NASWVA. The General Assembly reconvened on April 2 to consider all amendments and vetoes but was unsuccessful in overriding the vetoes. Legislators accepted only 33 of Youngkin’s 220 budget amendments. The governor now has 30 days to either veto or sign the remaining bills and the overall budget, whether in full or by line item.
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NASW Virginia staff have worked closely with the chapter’s Policy and Social Justice Committee and advisory board of directors to:
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Identify priority bills and issues
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Establish a strategic advocacy plan
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Educate legislators, particularly new members
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Monitor bill and resolution status
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Mobilize members via action alerts
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In 2025, NASWVA’s advocacy has focused on:
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Behavioral health parity
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Supervision requirement adjustments for MSW social workers
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Equal reimbursement for BSW social workers in parity with similarly trained mental health professionals
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Social justice issues: ending solitary confinement, protecting LGBTQIA2S+ rights, voting rights, reproductive justice, and broader anti-discrimination efforts
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Workforce development in social work
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Support for federally employed social workers impacted by Trump-era firings and funding cuts
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Amplifying NASW national actions that highlight the effects of recent executive orders and federal cuts on Virginia social workers and communities
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Looking ahead to fall 2025, the chapter—having endorsed former Rep. Abigail Spanberger for governor and Sen. Ghazala Hashmi for lieutenant governor—will deepen its engagement in voter education, get-out-the-vote campaigns, and public messaging about the critical importance of civic participation in this pivotal election.
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The chapter will also continue its coalition advocacy and legislative tracking ahead of the 2026 session, including ongoing attention to implementation of the Social Work Social Compact, which was enacted into Virginia law in 2024.
Social workers: Bookmark this page, so you can check this website often for updates!
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​​Volunteer for the NASWVA Policy and Social Justice Committee​
You're invited! If you are an NASW Virginia member, the chapter would love to welcome you to its Policy and Social Justice Committee! You'll share your expertise and ideas on the policy priorities important to the social work profession in Virginia, as well as work on social justice issues affecting you and your clients. Students and retirees are welcome, too!
We need your in-the-trenches perspectives to help us craft the chapter's policy strategy to advance and protect social work and human rights issues such as parity, reproductive justice and abortion rights, gun safety, affordable housing, student debt, higher wages, and more. Email Executive Director Debra Riggs at driggs.naswva@socialworkers.org for more information.
Where can I find information about Virginia bills and learn more?
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Access Virginia’s Legislative Information System: Overview of the 2024 General Assembly legislative and resolution activity with links to committees and other sources.
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Track issues and progress at LegiScan.
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Find Virginia General Assembly Bills and Resolutions.
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Read bill summaries here.
Learn you can advocate on Virginia social justice and professional issues!