The state Senate also backed proposed amendments to repeal the ban on same-sex marriage in the state constitution and to automatically restore voting rights to felons who served their terms.

A new president and state legislative sessions ramping up are likely to bring more changes to abortion policy across the U.S., which is still settling after the seismic shift in 2022 when the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and opened the door to state bans.

In Virginia, Democrats pushed forward resolutions in the House of Delegates aimed at getting measures on abortion, marriage, and felon voting on the ballot in 2026. Democrats, who hold a narrow 51-49 majority in the state House,

After a long and spirited debate, Virginia House Democrats have advanced a proposed constitutional amendment to enshrine abortion rights in the state constitution.

Lawmakers in the Virginia House of Delegates passed resolutions on Tuesday enshrining rights to abortion, voting and marriage equality in a critical step for Democrats hoping to amend the state’s constitution next year.

The Virginia House of Delegates passed three state constitutional amendments Tuesday that would enshrine in state law reproductive rights, same-sex marriage and automatic restoration of voting

The resolution has a long way to go before it can become part of the state's constitution. However, House Republicans said it already violates state law.

Virginia Democrats are hoping to pass a bill to make abortion more accessible in the third trimester under specific situations.

The amendment would ensure a “fundamental right to reproductive freedom,” protecting abortion in the first two trimesters and in the third trimester with some restrictions.

An incoming new president and state legislative sessions ramping up are likely to bring more changes to abortion policy across the U.S., which is still settling after the seismic shift in 2022 when the U.

The House also backed proposed amendments on restoration of rights for felons who have served their time and to remove moot language barring same-sex marriage.

To reach voters, the resolutions — which do not require Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s signature — must pass both chambers this year and again next year before appearing on statewide ballots in November 2026.