Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Virginia
Democratic
· Delegate
Dan Helmer
Represents District 10 in the House of Delegates.
Votes with Democrats
99%
on 1,087 party-line votes · House Democrats median 99%
Cast a vote
98%
Yea or Nay on 2,843 of 2,890 roll calls · House median 99%
Their bills that became law
20 of 34
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 16
Roll calls on record
2,890
2026 Regular Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 6, 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 Dan Helmer 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 Dan Helmer sits in the House
Each dot is one member of the House, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Dan Helmer is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
6 of 1,087 party-line votes.
HB1279 · Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties.
In plain English Allows religious and certain nonprofit organizations to build housing on their tax-exempt land by-right if at least 60 percent remains affordable for 30 years, effective January 1, 2027.
House concurred in Governor's recommendation (62-Y 38-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 62–38 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB388 · Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties.
In plain English Allows religious and certain nonprofit organizations to build housing on their tax-exempt land by-right if at least 60 percent remains affordable for 30 years, effective January 1, 2027.
Conference report agreed to by House (55-Y 40-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 55–40 · most Democrats voted the other way
HB1279 · Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties.
In plain English Allows religious and certain nonprofit organizations to build housing on their tax-exempt land by-right if at least 60 percent remains affordable for 30 years, effective January 1, 2027.
Conference report agreed to by House (54-Y 41-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 54–41 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB59 · Photo speed monitoring devices; photo-monitoring systems for traffic signals, proof of violation.
In plain English Allows retired police officers, special conservators of the peace, and local technicians to certify traffic violations from cameras after completing a state-approved training course.
Passed House with substitute with amendment (60-Y 38-N 0-A) · 2026-03-12 · Passed 60–38 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB59 · Photo speed monitoring devices; photo-monitoring systems for traffic signals, proof of violation.
In plain English Allows retired police officers, special conservators of the peace, and local technicians to certify traffic violations from cameras after completing a state-approved training course.
Failed to pass House (40-Y 59-N 0-A) · 2026-03-11 · Failed 40–59 · most Democrats voted the other way
HB161 · Virginia Lottery; internet gaming authorized, definitions, penalties, effective clause.
Read third time and defeated by House (46-Y 49-N 0-A) · 2026-02-17 · Failed 46–49 · most Democrats voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
HB1272 · Electronic gaming devices; regulation, penalties, sunset.
Conference report rejected by House (46-Y 47-N 1-A) · 2026-03-14 · Failed 46–47
SB454 · Zoning; by-right multifamily residential development.
Reported from Counties, Cities and Towns with substitute (11-Y 10-N) · 2026-02-27 · Passed 11–10
HB1279 · Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties.
In plain English Allows religious and certain nonprofit organizations to build housing on their tax-exempt land by-right if at least 60 percent remains affordable for 30 years, effective January 1, 2027.
Subcommittee recommends reporting with amendment(s) (5-Y 3-N) · 2026-01-29 · Passed 5–3
HB871 · Firearms; storage in residence where minor or person prohibited from possessing is present, penalty.
In plain English Requires firearm owners to store guns in locked containers or with locking devices when minors or prohibited persons are present in their home, with violations punishable as a Class 2 misdemeanor.
Subcommittee recommends reporting (6-Y 4-N) · 2026-01-29 · Passed 6–4
HB144 · Waverly, Town of; amending charter, transitioning town government.
Subcommittee recommends laying on the table (4-Y 2-N) · 2026-01-23 · Passed 4–2
Republicans 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.
Rob BloxomRepublican · District 100 · 936 shared contested votes
35%
Will MorefieldRepublican · District 43 · 987 shared contested votes
27%
Ellen McLaughlinRepublican · District 36 · 965 shared contested votes
24%
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 (47 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Virginia Delegation
YeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaAbsentYeaYeaAbsentYeaAbsentYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Dan Helmer 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.
Introduced34
Out of committee25
Passed one chamber23
Passed both chambers20
Became law20
Never left committee9
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the House has 16 bills that became law this session.
Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties.
In plain English Bans the purchase, sale, and transfer of assault firearms and large-capacity ammunition feeding devices, with penalties including misdemeanor charges and firearm restrictions.
Official synopsis: Purchase, sale, transfer, etc., of assault firearms and certain ammunition feeding devices prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 1 misdemeanor for any person who imports, sells, manufactures, purchases, or transfers an assault firearm, as that term is defined in the bill with some exceptions, and prohibits…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1106) · 2026-05-14
VMI; Bd. of Visitors to examine higher education at the Institute.
In plain English Directs the Virginia Military Institute Board of Visitors to examine VMI's responsiveness to a 2021 investigative report and report findings to state leaders.
Official synopsis: Virginia Military Institute; examination of certain aspects of higher education. Directs the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) Board of Visitors to examine and determine VMI's responsiveness to the recommendations provided in the 2021 special investigative report commissioned by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1097) · 2026-04-22
Mixed-income housing; creating a two-year pilot program that provides loan origination, etc.
In plain English Creates a two-year pilot program for loans to build mixed-income housing and requires annual reports on the program's findings.
Official synopsis: Department of Housing and Community Development; loans for the construction of mixed income housing; report. Directs the Department of Housing and Community Development, in collaboration with the Virginia Housing Development Authority, to create a two-year pilot program that would provide loan origination and servicing activities…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1072) · 2026-04-22
Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections.
In plain English Requires counties and cities contracting with private companies for public transportation to pay employees equivalent to public employees and offer them jobs if the locality later creates its own system.
Official synopsis: Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections; report. Requires the governing body of any county or city that contracts with a private company to provide transportation services to (i) require such company to provide any employee of such company providing such services compensation and…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1058) · 2026-04-22
History/soc. science SOL & curriculum Framework; revision of framework.
In plain English Allows school boards to teach about the January 6 Capitol insurrection only if described as a violent attack, not peaceful protest or involving election fraud claims.
Official synopsis: Public schools; programs and courses of instruction; instruction on January 6 insurrection; requirements and limitations. Permits a school board to provide a program of instruction on or relating to the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the United States Capitol to public school students only in…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1049) · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; orders transmitted to and through Governor, annual reports.
In plain English Requires the Adjutant General to submit annual reports on Virginia National Guard deployments and operations, prohibits the Governor from using the Guard to intimidate voters, and directs a work group to assess Guard deployment procedures.
Official synopsis: Virginia National Guard; reports to the General Assembly; work group; report. Requires the Adjutant General to submit an annual report to the General Assembly detailing federal and state deployments of the Virginia National Guard and other matters relating to retention, readiness, funding, and resources. The bill…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1043) · 2026-04-22
Distributed Energy Resources Task Force; created, membership, reports, sunset.
In plain English Creates a Distributed Energy Resources Task Force to develop a strategy for advancing distributed energy resource markets and requires reports to state and federal officials before sunset on July 1, 2027.
Official synopsis: Distributed Energy Resources Task Force established; reports; sunset. Establishes the Distributed Energy Resources Task Force as an advisory commission within the executive branch with the purpose of developing a comprehensive strategy to advance the Commonwealth's transition toward integrated distributed energy resource markets and to support…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1042) · 2026-04-22
Mortgage lenders and brokers; criminal history records check.
Mortgage lenders and brokers; criminal history records check. Replaces the option for an applicant submitting the required criminal history records check for licensure as a mortgage lender or mortgage broker, or an applicant to acquire control of a licensee, to submit fingerprints and other information…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0773) · 2026-04-13
Insurance; unfair claim settlement practices, modification of loss estimate.
Insurance; unfair claim settlement practices; modification of loss estimate. Prohibits an insurer, when reducing a loss estimate of $3,000 or more, from altering or amending an insurance adjuster's estimate of damages, photographic report data, or narrative report without meeting certain requirements including providing the policyholder…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0672) · 2026-04-13
Securities Act; investment advisor advertising.
Securities Act; investment advisor advertising. Permits an investment advisor to solicit, disseminate, or otherwise use advertisements, including client testimonials and endorsements, provided such advertisements comply with the requirements for an advertisement solicited, disseminated, or used by a federally registered investment advisor under federal law.
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0622) · 2026-04-13
Medicare supplement policies; regulations establishing minimum standards, report.
Medicare supplement policies; regulations establishing minimum standards; work group; report. Amends provisions related to the State Corporation Commission's issuance of regulations to establish minimum standards regarding Medicare supplement policies to include minimum standards for the disclosure of methodology used in coverage decisions. The bill directs…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0594) · 2026-04-13
Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb, civil immunity.
In plain English Requires law-enforcement officers to provide aid to seriously injured or dying people when safely possible, and shields them from civil liability except for gross negligence or willful misconduct.
Official synopsis: Law-enforcement officers; duty to render aid upon danger to life or limb; civil immunity. Provides that a law-enforcement officer, while engaged in the performance of his duties, has a duty to render aid to any person that he observes suffering from a serious bodily injury…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0583) · 2026-04-13
All-Payer Claims Database; Virginia Department of Health shall conduct an evaluation, report.
In plain English Requires the Bureau of Insurance to evaluate the All-Payer Claims Database and report findings to the Governor and General Assembly by December 1, 2026.
Official synopsis: Bureau of Insurance; evaluation of All-Payer Claims Database; report. Directs the State Corporation Commission's Bureau of Insurance (the Bureau) to conduct an evaluation of the All-Payer Claims Database and the data submitted thereto in facilitating data-driven, evidence-based improvements in access, quality, and cost of health care…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0575) · 2026-04-13
Elections; soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure voter registration, penalty.
In plain English Prohibits soliciting or accepting money or anything of value in exchange for decisions about voter registration, with certain exceptions.
Official synopsis: Elections; offenses; soliciting or accepting bribe to influence or procure voter registration; penalty. Provides that no person shall solicit or accept directly or indirectly any money or any thing of value in exchange for his or another's decision to register or not register to vote.…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0909) · 2026-04-13
Retail franchise agreements; governing law, competition restrictions.
In plain English Requires retail franchise agreements to be governed by Virginia law and prohibits competition restrictions that extend beyond the agreement's end, except when a franchisee sells the franchise.
Official synopsis: Retail franchise agreements; governing law; competition restrictions. Provides that retail franchise agreements shall be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth and prohibits any person from offering or entering into a franchise agreement that includes competition restrictions that extend beyond termination or expiration of the…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0553) · 2026-04-13
“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.
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SB24 · 2026-04-22
Discovery materials or evidence; accused may request to copy or photograph any materials. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (87-Y 8-N 0-A))
HB969 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center; work group to develop policy, etc., to establish. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 35-N 0-A))
HB61 · 2026-04-22
Small SWaM Business Procurement Enhancement Program; established, report. (Governor's amendment nos. 1 – 3 agreed to (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB484 · 2026-04-22
Health insurance; ethics and fairness in carrier business practices, downcoded claims. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (99-Y 1-N 0-A))
HB1393 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. (Governor's amendment nos. 7, 9, and 10 agreed to (70-Y 29-N 0-A))
HB1525 · 2026-04-22
Firearms, certain; definitions, possession, transportation, or purchase by certain persons, penalty. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (63-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB320 · 2026-04-22
Live streaming while driving; prohibited, penalty. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (90-Y 10-N 0-A))
SB225 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank; created, report, membership. (Governor's amendments nos. 4-8 agreed to (64-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB630 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 35-N 0-A))
HB892 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; integrated resource plans; SCC to investigate electric load forecasts. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (63-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB773 · 2026-04-22
Elections; absentee voting, cure process, delayed effective date. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (63-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB640 · 2026-04-22
Elections; challenges to a voter or voter's registration, filing of petition, notice of appeal. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
SB803 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
HB1377 · 2026-04-22
VMI; Bd. of Visitors to examine higher education at the Institute. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (69-Y 31-N 0-A))
SB783 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement agencies; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (63-Y 34-N 0-A))
SB620 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (94-Y 4-N 0-A))
HB834 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; fire or casualty damage, termination by landlord. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (66-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB308 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (99-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB238 · 2026-04-22
Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, of wages, misclassification of workers, civil actions. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB711 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 35-N 0-A))
HB1043 · 2026-04-22
Affordable and Special Needs Housing program, etc.; applicant notification of awards and denials. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (99-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB1457 · 2026-04-22
Vehicle weight limits; violations, owner or lessee of commercial motor vehicle hauling coal. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (98-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB2 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 35-N 0-A))
SB543 · 2026-04-22
Marijuana and hemp products; enforcement. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB460 · 2026-04-22
Small Business & Supplier Diversity, Dept. of; powers & duties, employment services organizations. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (88-Y 9-N 0-A))
SB230 · 2026-04-22
Police and court records; expungement of records, delayed effective date. (Governor's amendments nos. 1 and 3 agreed to (72-Y 25-N 0-A))
HB614 · 2026-04-22
History/soc.science SOL & Curriculum Framework; review of instruction on roles of all peoples. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 33-N 0-A))
SB731 · 2026-04-22
Private companies providing public transportation services; employee protections. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
HB101 · 2026-04-22
Concealed handguns; alternate methods of submission of applications for permits. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (99-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB324 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
HB820 · 2026-04-22
Mixed-income housing; creating a two-year pilot program that provides loan origination, etc. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (88-Y 11-N 0-A))
HB857 · 2026-04-22
Home/electronic incarceration program; court shall assign pregnant/postpartum persons to program. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (89-Y 11-N 0-A))
SB256 · 2026-04-22
Appliance minimum energy and water conservation standards; requirement of manufacturers. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
HB1011 · 2026-04-22
Compost and other products containing organic soil amendments; waste disposal infrastructure, etc. (Governor's amendment nos. 1, 4, and 5 agreed to (66-Y 34-N 0-A))
SB197 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund; loan and grant program, deferment of interest accrual. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (94-Y 1-N 0-A))
SB285 · 2026-04-22
Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment grant program; Board of HCD to review, etc. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (95-Y 2-N 0-A))
SB223 · 2026-04-22
Distributed Energy Resources Task Force; created, membership, reports, sunset. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 33-N 0-A))
SB337 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; reports to General Assembly, state militias, etc. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
SB364 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center; work group to develop policy, etc., to establish. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
HB318 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, juvenile offenders, parole procedures and considerations. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (67-Y 33-N 0-A))
SB518 · 2026-04-22
Public works contracts; prevailing wage rate, definitions, civil penalty. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
SB536 · 2026-04-22
Medical malpractice information disclosures; report. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (76-Y 21-N 0-A))
SB347 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 34-N 0-A))
SB72 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB379 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; application, notice, deposit, fee. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 35-N 0-A))
HB1046 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 35-N 0-A))
SB176 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (65-Y 33-N 0-A))
HB234 · 2026-04-22
Elections; general provisions, electoral board members to wear identification, civil penalty. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB286 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; orders transmitted to and through Governor, annual reports. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB909 · 2026-04-22
Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
SB550 · 2026-04-22
Transportation network companies; publishing and disclosure requirements, delayed effective date. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (94-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB1524 · 2026-04-22
Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, exceptions, penalty. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (59-Y 40-N 0-A))
HB505 · 2026-04-22
Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (69-Y 31-N 0-A))
HB281 · 2026-04-22
Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (64-Y 36-N 0-A))
HB312 · 2026-04-22
Motor vehicles; glass repair and replacement, emissions inspections, penalties, repeals. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (72-Y 28-N 0-A))
SB126 · 2026-04-22
Primary election; when filings to be made, extension for incumbents failure to file. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (79-Y 19-N 0-A))
HB627 · 2026-04-22
Covenants not to compete; includes health care professionals, civil penalty. (Governor's amendment no. 1 agreed to (96-Y 3-N 0-A))
SB81 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement officers, state and local; enforcement of federal traffic infractions. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (66-Y 31-N 0-A))
SB60 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, juvenile offenders, parole procedures and considerations. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (66-Y 31-N 0-A))
SB137 · 2026-04-22
Obstructing health care facility; penalties. (House concurred in Governor's recommendation (66-Y 32-N 0-A))
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 2890 total roll-call votes this session).
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