Virginia Will Regulate Artificial Intelligence in 2027

State lawmakers plan to introduce new artificial intelligence oversight measures during the upcoming 2027 legislative session.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Artificial Intelligence

Isometric editorial illustration of nested metallic geometric blocks on a plinth, representing the regulation of artificial intelligence. — Virginia state lawmakers are developing a regulatory framework for artificial intelligence, focusing on safety and privacy in government operations. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Virginia lawmakers are preparing to implement a new regulatory framework for artificial intelligence during the 2027 legislative session. The move follows recent formal recommendations from the state's Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

Why it matters

The proposed regulations aim to address concerns regarding the use of advanced technologies like chat bots while ensuring safety and privacy for state residents. Legislative efforts were previously paused due to complexities involving federal broadband funding requirements.

Virginia's legislature, which comprises 140 total seats, currently lacks sufficient technical expertise within its Division of Legislative Services to draft complex AI law. Officials may hire outside counsel to bridge this knowledge gap.

The players

Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission

This agency serves as the research and policy analysis arm for the Virginia state legislature.

Division of Legislative Services

This state entity provides nonpartisan legal and research services to Virginia lawmakers.

National Telecommunications and Information Administration

This federal agency is the primary authority on telecommunications and information policy in Washington.

The details

The commission recommended establishing an acceptable use policy for state employees to manage how artificial intelligence is integrated into government operations. Future legislative dockets will specifically focus on creating rules for chat bots, children's online safety, and comprehensive online privacy.

August 2026: Federal broadband funding was approved by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.
October 13, 2026: The Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission released its formal policy recommendations.
2027 legislative session: Lawmakers are scheduled to begin the creation of state artificial intelligence regulations.

The Tech Race

The transition toward state-level artificial intelligence regulation follows the successful approval of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration federal broadband program. This move positions Virginia to address modern digital safety while catching up to current technological advancements.

Residents can expect new rules governing how chat bots and online platforms manage personal data and protect children. These regulatory shifts may change how individuals interact with government services and digital tools once the 2027 legislation takes effect.

The takeaway

Legislators are shifting toward a more proactive stance on digital policy to bridge existing gaps in technical knowledge. Citizens should monitor the 2027 session to see how new privacy and safety standards will specifically affect their online experiences.