Virginia bill advancing discounted utilities for more localities passes House and Senate

A measure advanced by state Del. Eric R. Zehr has gained passage to allow more Virginia localities to extend reduced water and sewer fees to residents considered vulnerable, according to the Virginia State House.

The legislation earned approval from both chambers before being formally enrolled on March 11, 2026, with votes of 99-0 in the House and 40-0 in the Senate.

Filed as HB764 on Jan. 14, 2026, in the regular 2026 session, the bill was described in the official summary as: “Public utilities; discounted water and sewer fees, Town of Hurt.”

Below is an overview, based on the actual bill text, along with clarifying details for key provisions.

The measure updates state code regarding eligibility for discounted water and sewer fees, adding the Town of Hurt to those permitted to set reduced utility rates for certain residents. The bill lets the City of Richmond and any locality operating a utility system with a population density of 200 or fewer persons per square mile—as well as the towns of Altavista, Hurt and Louisa—enact local rules for discounted rates benefitting low-income, elderly or disabled customers. The bill’s intent appears to be greater flexibility for local governments in offering assistance to qualifying residents.

During the House vote, 64 Democrats and 35 Republicans supported the bill.

In the Senate, it was approved with 21 Democrats and 19 Republicans voting in favor.

Del. Eric R. Zehr (Republican, 51st District) was the sole sponsor of the proposal.

Zehr earned a bachelor’s degree from Liberty University in 1995.

Zehr, a Republican, was elected to the 51st District seat in the Virginia House of Delegates in 2024, succeeding former delegate Briana Sewell.

In Virginia, a bill begins in either legislative chamber and is sent to relevant committees for review. Upon advancing from committee, it faces debate and chamber-wide votes. Passage in both chambers sends the legislation to the governor, who may sign it, veto it, or let it become law unsigned. The Virginia General Assembly’s annual sessions open on the second Monday in January, with delegates proposing hundreds of bills, though only some see enactment.

Details for this article were gathered from the Virginia State House. Review the full source data here.