A bill put forward by State Del. Luke E. Torian proposes comprehensive changes to Virginia’s budget and tax code, featuring broad amendments and clarifications, the Virginia State House has reported.
The measure, introduced as HB29 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, was formally labeled: “Budget Bill.”
Below is a summary based on analysis of the bill text, with interpretation to clarify specific provisions.
Essentially, the bill adjusts Virginia’s 2024-26 biennial budget and modifies the state tax code by amending several appropriations within Chapter 725 of the 2025 Acts of Assembly and § 58.1-301 of the Code of Virginia. It carries over all unspent balances from previous years as well as all taxes and nontax revenues collected up to the close of the current biennium. Additionally, it describes “moneys” broadly, including items such as fees, licenses, service charges, gifts, grants, donations, and revenues anticipated from conditional legislation. The bill reiterates that receipts not otherwise separated by law are part of the state general fund, which serves as the foundation for the appropriations contained in this act.
Rep. Luke E. Torian (Democrat-24th District) is the sole sponsor of the bill.
Torian has presented an additional four bills since the session began.
He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Winston-Salem State University in 1980.
A Democrat, Torian was elected to the Virginia State House in 2024 and represents the 24th House district following Ellen Campbell’s tenure.
In Virginia, the legislative process starts when legislation is introduced in either chamber. It is then sent to one or more committees for review and possible changes. If it passes the committee stage, the bill moves to debate and a vote in both chambers. If both approve the measure, the legislation goes to the governor, who may sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature. Each year, the Virginia General Assembly meets in regular session starting on the second Monday in January. Legislators introduce hundreds of bills each session, but only a fraction are enacted into law.
| Legislative Session | Patron(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Luke E. Torian | HB29 | 01/14/2026 | Budget Bill. |
| 2026 | Luke E. Torian | HB30 | 01/14/2026 | Budget Bill. |
| 2026 | Luke E. Torian | HB176 | 01/14/2026 | State-facilitated IRA savings program; various changes to the program. |
| 2026 | Luke E. Torian | HB799 | 01/14/2026 | Power Transformer Manufacturing Grant Fund; created. |
| 2026 | Luke E. Torian and Virgil Thornton | HB800 | 01/14/2026 | Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Manufacturing Grant Fund; established. |
| 2025 | Luke E. Torian | HB1600 | 01/08/2025 | Budget Bill. |
| 2025 | Luke E. Torian and Michelle Lopes Maldonado | HB2358 | 01/08/2025 | Current and Mature Semiconductor Technology Grant Fund; established. |
| 2025 | Luke E. Torian | HB2359 | 01/08/2025 | Commonwealth of Virginia Higher Educational Institutions Bond Act of 2025; created. |
Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State House. The source data can be found here.
