Virginia Will Develop Artificial Intelligence Laws in 2027
State lawmakers plan to introduce new oversight for chatbots, privacy, and safety during the upcoming legislative session.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence
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Virginia legislators will draft artificial intelligence regulations during the 2027 legislative session, following recent policy recommendations from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission. The move marks a pivot from prior delays caused by concerns regarding federal broadband funding.
Why it matters
The decision to formalize AI policy addresses the need for state-level governance on emerging tech risks while attempting to bridge gaps in technical expertise within the legislative body. By moving forward now, the state aims to establish clear rules for online safety and data privacy.
The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission recommends that Virginia implement an acceptable use policy for all state employees regarding AI tools. This proposal precedes the 2027 legislative docket which will specifically target regulations for chatbots and children's online safety.
The players
Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission
A research body that provides policy recommendations to the Virginia state legislature.
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
A federal agency that manages telecommunications policy and approved Virginia's broadband funding.
Division of Legislative Services
A state body that supports the legislature but currently faces limitations in its technology law expertise.
The details
The legislature aims to overcome a lack of internal technology law expertise by potentially hiring outside legal counsel to draft technical regulatory frameworks. This research-based approach follows a period where lawmakers halted AI-related efforts to protect federal broadband program funding, which was ultimately approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration in August 2026. The new policy process will utilize findings from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission to inform legislation.
Timeline
August 2026: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration approved federal broadband funding projects.
October 13, 2026: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission issued policy recommendations.
2027 legislative session: Virginia lawmakers will create new artificial intelligence regulations.
The Tech Race
Virginia's legislative pivot follows the finalization of National Telecommunications and Information Administration broadband funding which had previously acted as a constraint on regulatory activity. This move positions the state to address AI-driven risks in alignment with broader national safety trends.
Residents should expect potential changes to how state agencies deploy chatbots and AI-enabled tools following the implementation of new acceptable use policies. The regulatory framework will also directly influence data privacy requirements for businesses and individuals operating across the state.
The takeaway
Virginia is shifting from a state of regulatory inaction to an active drafting phase for AI governance and online safety. Stakeholders should track the 2027 legislative docket for specific privacy bill language and the selection of outside legal experts.
What happens next
The 2027 legislative session is scheduled to begin with the introduction of regulatory dockets covering online privacy and children's safety.
Further reading
Learn more about the evolving landscape of Artificial Intelligence and how state-level policies are shaping local technology adoption.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WVTF.
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