Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Virginia
Votes with Republicans
98%
on 1,215 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 93%
Cast a vote
98%
Yea or Nay on 4,788 of 4,886 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
12 of 16
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 16
Roll calls on record
4,886
2026 Regular Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 12, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2026 Regular Regular Session.
How Mark Obenshain votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Mark Obenshain sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Mark Obenshain is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
23 of 1,215 party-line votes, most recent 10 shown.
SB28 · Overtime for certain employees; pay for domestic workers, delayed effective date.
In plain English Requires overtime pay for domestic workers starting July 1, 2028, if reenacted by the 2027 legislature.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (25-Y 14-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 25–14 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB27 · Overtime for certain employees; pay for domestic workers, delayed effective date.
In plain English Requires overtime pay for domestic workers starting July 1, 2028, if reenacted by the 2027 legislature.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (24-Y 15-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 24–15 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB661 · Va. Small Business Economic Dev. Act; established, regulation and taxation of skill game machines.
In plain English Authorizes electronic skill gaming devices under Virginia Lottery regulation, imposes a 25 percent tax on profits, and establishes penalties for violations.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (23-Y 15-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 23–15 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB515 · Electric Utility Regulation, Commission on; scope and name changes to Energy Commission of Virginia.
In plain English Renames the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation to the Energy Commission of Virginia.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (22-Y 17-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 22–17 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1272 · Electronic gaming devices; regulation, penalties, sunset.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (24-Y 15-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 24–15 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB894 · Private elementary and secondary schools; policies relating to bullying and cyberbullying, etc.
In plain English Requires private elementary and secondary schools to include bullying and cyberbullying policies in student conduct codes and notify parents within 24 hours of confirmed incidents.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (28-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-03-13 · Passed 28–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB416 · School buses; use for public purposes by local governing bodies, insurance reimbursement.
In plain English Allows local governments to reimburse school boards for their proportionate share of school bus insurance costs instead of providing their own insurance.
Passed Senate with amendment (29-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-03-11 · Passed 29–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB803 · Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct.
In plain English Directs the Real Estate Board and Fair Housing Board to create regulations defining harassment and other unlawful conduct terms under Virginia's fair housing law.
House substitute agreed to by Senate (23-Y 16-N 0-A) · 2026-03-05 · Passed 23–16 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1139 · Medicine, Board of; membership, removal of residence requirements.
In plain English Removes the requirement that Board of Medicine physicians live in specific congressional districts and instead requires 11 physicians total on the Board.
Passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A) · 2026-03-02 · Passed 24–16 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB78 · Elections administration; duties of local electoral boards, certification of election, etc.
In plain English Requires local electoral boards to certify election results as a ministerial duty, with removal and up to $1,000 penalties for neglect, and allows the state board to take over if local boards fail.
Passed Senate (25-Y 15-N 0-A) · 2026-03-02 · Passed 25–15 · most Republicans voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
SB347 · Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions.
In plain English Requires localities to set standards for ground-mounted solar facilities of one megawatt or more and report decisions to the state starting July 1, 2026.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (18-Y 18-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Failed 18–18
HB505 · Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (19-Y 19-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Failed 19–19
HB1093 · Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; landlord remedies, attorney fees capped.
Passed Senate with amendment (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-10 · Failed 20–20
HB86 · Mattress Stewardship Program; established, definitions, report.
Passed Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-10 · Failed 20–20
SB109 · School boards; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household.
In plain English Requires school boards to annually notify parents by email and text about safely storing prescription drugs and firearms at home, including state laws and firearm injury statistics.
House substitute agreed to by Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-04 · Failed 20–20
Democrats they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Elizabeth Bennett-ParkerDemocrat · District 39 · 418 shared contested votes
11%
Stella PekarskyDemocrat · District 36 · 894 shared contested votes
8%
Dave MarsdenDemocrat · District 35 · 1,079 shared contested votes
8%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (98 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Virginia Delegation
YeaYeaNayNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNayYeaNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNay
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Mark Obenshain was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced16
Out of committee14
Passed one chamber12
Passed both chambers12
Became law12
Never left committee2
For comparison, the median Republican member of the Senate has 16 bills that became law this session.
Medical malpractice information disclosures; report.
In plain English Requires medical malpractice insurers and self-insured health care providers to report claims, payments, and verdict information annually to the state insurance bureau.
Official synopsis: Medical malpractice information disclosures; report. Requires insurers who issue medical malpractice liability insurance polices covering health care providers in the Commonwealth to disclose, for the preceding calendar year, information regarding (i) premiums; (ii) claims activity; (iii) claim payments and litigation costs; and (iv) insurer financial…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1015) · 2026-04-22
Eminent domain; condemnation proceedings, entry of order and recordation of certificate.
In plain English Requires circuit court clerks to disburse compensation in eminent domain cases within seven business days and file condemnation certificates with the clerk on the same day they are recorded.
Official synopsis: Eminent domain; condemnation proceedings; entry of order and recordation of certificate; disbursement of funds by circuit court clerk. Provides that the clerk of a circuit court shall, upon entry of an order in a condemnation proceeding and unless otherwise directed, promptly disburse any just compensation…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0954) · 2026-04-13
Undue influence; presumptions in actions contesting validity of a trust or trust instrument.
In plain English Extends a legal presumption of undue influence in property transfer cases to trusts, payment-on-death accounts, and transfer-on-death deeds, not just wills.
Official synopsis: Undue influence; presumption in actions contesting validity of certain document or instrument. Provides that, in an action contesting the validity of a document or instrument that conveys or transfers real or personal property upon the death of the owner of such real or personal property,…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0506) · 2026-04-08
Nursing homes and certified nursing facilities; required liability insurance coverage.
In plain English Requires nursing homes and certified nursing facilities to purchase extended liability insurance coverage for two years after sale or obtain coverage starting two years before the previous owner's policy ends.
Official synopsis: Nursing homes and certified nursing facilities; required liability insurance coverage. Provides that the regulations of the Board of Health shall require purchasers of licensed nursing homes or certified nursing facilities with claims-made policies of liability insurance coverage to purchase an extended reporting endorsement of two…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0505) · 2026-04-08
Display of obscene material to a minor unlawful; penalty.
Display of obscene material to a minor unlawful; penalty. Makes it a Class 6 felony for any person 18 years of age or older to display obscene material, as defined in relevant law, to a minor younger than 13 years of age with lascivious intent.…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0348) · 2026-04-06
Real property tax; special assessment on basis of use, notice requirements.
In plain English Requires settlement agents to notify real estate buyers about special tax assessments based on land use and potential roll-back taxes if use changes.
Official synopsis: Real property tax; special assessment for land use; notice requirements; civil penalty. Establishes notice requirements for the sale of real estate that is valued, assessed, and taxed by a locality under a special assessment on the basis of use. The bill directs the Department of…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0309) · 2026-04-06
Health insurance; reporting requirements.
In plain English Requires health carriers to report annually on provider terminations and reinstatements, and consolidates balance billing and arbitration reports.
Official synopsis: Health insurance; reporting requirements. Amends various reporting requirements related to health insurance, including by requiring the State Corporation Commission to maintain and publicly post an inventory of mandated benefits and providers, requiring health carriers to report annually on provider terminations and reinstatements, and consolidating reports…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0188) · 2026-04-06
Accountancy, Board of; licensing requirements, inactive and emeritus status.
Board of Accountancy; licensing requirements; inactive and emeritus status. Directs the Board of Accountancy to establish "Inactive" and "Emeritus" CPA license statuses for licensees who no longer provide services to the public or services to or on behalf of an employer. The bill requires the…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0235) · 2026-04-06
Commending the veterans of the United States Armed Forces from Augusta County.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate (SR144ER) · 2026-03-25
Commending M. Catherine Slusher, M.D.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ131ER) · 2026-03-05
Commending the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police & Foundation.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ84ER) · 2026-02-18
Virginia Public-Private Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund; established.
Virginia Public-Private Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund established. Establishes the Virginia Public-Private Safety Communications Infrastructure Fund, to be managed by the Department of Criminal Justice Services, for the purpose of making loans and awarding grants to local governments for the purpose of assisting with improvement projects…
Out of committeeContinued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (14-Y 1-N) · 2026-02-11
Certain civil actions against employees; liability of employer to vulnerable victims.
Certain civil actions against employees; liability of employer to vulnerable victims. Clarifies that when determining an employer's vicarious liability in an action for personal injury or death brought by a vulnerable victim against an employee, the definition of "vulnerable victim" shall include only those persons…
Not out of committeePassed by indefinitely in Courts of Justice (12-Y 3-N) · 2026-02-11
Official government materials; use of specific geographic terminology.
Official terminology for certain geographic locations.
Not out of committeePassed by indefinitely in General Laws and Technology (9-Y 6-N) · 2026-02-04
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
Loading committees…
HB484 · 2026-04-22
Health insurance; ethics and fairness in carrier business practices, downcoded claims. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB1393 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (34-Y 5-N 0-A))
HB1525 · 2026-04-22
Firearms, certain; definitions, possession, transportation, or purchase by certain persons, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB630 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB320 · 2026-04-22
Live streaming while driving; prohibited, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (25-Y 14-N 0-A))
SB352 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings, exceptions, penalty. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB640 · 2026-04-22
Elections; challenges to a voter or voter's registration, filing of petition, notice of appeal. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB225 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank; created, report, membership. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB892 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; integrated resource plans; SCC to investigate electric load forecasts. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB773 · 2026-04-22
Elections; absentee voting, cure process, delayed effective date. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB125 · 2026-04-22
Children's Ombudsman, Office of the; powers and duties, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB749 · 2026-04-22
Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB803 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (22-Y 17-N 0-A))
HB1377 · 2026-04-22
VMI; Bd. of Visitors to examine higher education at the Institute. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB783 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement agencies; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB620 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
HB238 · 2026-04-22
Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, of wages, misclassification of workers, civil actions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB711 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (20-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1457 · 2026-04-22
Vehicle weight limits; violations, owner or lessee of commercial motor vehicle hauling coal. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB308 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
HB2 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 17-N 0-A))
SB543 · 2026-04-22
Marijuana and hemp products; enforcement. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB455 · 2026-04-22
Va. Opioid Use Red. & Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Trtmt. and Transition Fund; grant procedure. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB230 · 2026-04-22
Police and court records; expungement of records, delayed effective date. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation Nos. 1 and 3 (24-Y 15-N 0-A))
HB101 · 2026-04-22
Concealed handguns; alternate methods of submission of applications for permits. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB324 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB614 · 2026-04-22
History/soc.science SOL & Curriculum Framework; review of instruction on roles of all peoples. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB820 · 2026-04-22
Mixed-income housing; creating a two-year pilot program that provides loan origination, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB857 · 2026-04-22
Home/electronic incarceration program; court shall assign pregnant/postpartum persons to program. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (38-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB107 · 2026-04-22
Jury service; exemptions upon request, certain caretakers of persons with serious health conditions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (35-Y 4-N 0-A))
SB62 · 2026-04-22
Marijuana-related offenses; modification of sentence, sunset. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB256 · 2026-04-22
Appliance minimum energy and water conservation standards; requirement of manufacturers. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1011 · 2026-04-22
Compost and other products containing organic soil amendments; waste disposal infrastructure, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB197 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund; loan and grant program, deferment of interest accrual. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB285 · 2026-04-22
Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment grant program; Board of HCD to review, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB337 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; reports to General Assembly, state militias, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB223 · 2026-04-22
Distributed Energy Resources Task Force; created, membership, reports, sunset. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (22-Y 17-N 0-A))
HB41 · 2026-04-22
Elections; procedures for removal of electoral board members and general registrars. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB364 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center; work group to develop policy, etc., to establish. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB796 · 2026-04-22
Regulatory boards; adjustment of fees, recovery of disciplinary and monitoring costs, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB518 · 2026-04-22
Public works contracts; prevailing wage rate, definitions, civil penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB536 · 2026-04-22
Medical malpractice information disclosures; report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
SB173 · 2026-04-22
Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB318 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, juvenile offenders, parole procedures and considerations. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB342 · 2026-04-22
Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation. (Senate rejected Governor's recommendation (10-Y 29-N 0-A))
SB342 · 2026-04-22
Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation. (Passed in enrolled form (32-Y 7-N 0-A))
SB706 · 2026-04-22
Opioid antagonist; distribution program, reports. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB347 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (18-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB767 · 2026-04-22
Motor vehicles; glass repair and replacement, emissions inspections, penalties, repeals. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (38-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB72 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB379 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; application, notice, deposit, fee. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (23-Y 16-N 0-A))
HB286 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; orders transmitted to and through Governor, annual reports. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB388 · 2026-04-22
Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1046 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB176 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB909 · 2026-04-22
Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB505 · 2026-04-22
Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (19-Y 19-N 0-A))
HB234 · 2026-04-22
Elections; general provisions, electoral board members to wear identification, civil penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB281 · 2026-04-22
Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1524 · 2026-04-22
Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, exceptions, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 4886 total roll-call votes this session).
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