Lawmakers in Virginia pass Gardner-sponsored bill defining child abuse reporting procedures

A bill advanced by state Del. Debra D. Gardner seeks to clarify mandatory reporting requirements for suspected child abuse, including situations with infants affected by substance exposure, according to the Virginia State House.

It was approved by both chambers and officially enrolled as of March 30, 2026, receiving support in the House with a 73-25 vote and in the Senate with a 21-19 vote.

Introduced as HB283 on Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, the measure was described by the legislature as: “Child abuse or neglect; prenatal use of a controlled substance or drug as prescribed.”

The following summary is based on the actual bill text, with some interpretation for clarity.

The bill makes it clear that certain professionals are required to report suspected child abuse or neglect and further defines “reason to suspect” to cover situations including infants diagnosed with substance exposure, drug withdrawal or fetal alcohol spectrum disorders through age four. It specifies that a pregnant woman’s legally prescribed use of controlled substances or drugs cannot, on its own, indicate abuse or neglect. The measure also maintains required discharge plans for these infants and keeps existing consequences and legal protections for mandatory reporters unchanged.

Of those voting in the House, 62 Democrats and 11 Republicans supported the measure, while 1 Democrat and 24 Republicans voted against it.

In the Senate, all 21 Democrats favored the bill, and 19 Republicans opposed it.

The lead sponsor was Del. Debra D. Gardner (Democrat-76th District), joined by Del. Bonita G. Anthony (Democrat-92nd District), Del. Charlie Schmidt (Democrat-77th District), and seven other patrons.

Gardner holds a BA from North Carolina Central University, class of 1974.

A Democrat, Gardner was elected to the Virginia State House in 2024 to represent the 76th district, succeeding Clinton Jenkins.

The process of legislating in Virginia starts with a bill’s introduction in either the House of Delegates or the Senate, which then goes to committee for review and potential changes. After committee approval, the bill moves to the floor in both chambers for debate and voting. Following passage by both sides, it is sent to the governor, who may sign, veto, or permit it to become law without a signature. The Virginia General Assembly holds its regular session annually, beginning the second Monday in January, considering hundreds of bills each session, a fraction of which become law.

Information for this report was obtained from the Virginia State House. For original source data, visit here.