Virginia Legislature Overwhelmingly Approves HB 312 to Safeguard Consumers in Auto Glass Repair Industry

RICHMOND — In a display of strong bipartisan consensus, the Virginia General Assembly has advanced House Bill 312, establishing clear notice requirements for motor vehicle glass repair shops to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. The legislation, which ties violations to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, passed the House of Delegates by a vote of 96-3 on February 2, 2026, and cleared the Senate on February 26, 2026, with a unanimous block vote of 40-0 following adoption of a committee substitute. As of March 2, 2026, the bill was passed by for the day in the House, signaling imminent final consideration on the Senate amendments.

Introduced on January 9, 2026, by Delegate Karen Carnegie as chief patron, HB 312 addresses key practices in the repair and replacement of damaged motor vehicle glass. The bill defines a ‘motor vehicle glass repair shop’ and mandates specific disclosures to customers, promoting transparency in an industry critical to road safety. Shops must inform vehicle owners about the need for inspecting, repairing, restoring, or replacing glass, including calibration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) when required after such work. These systems, integral to modern vehicles for features like automatic braking and lane-keeping, demand precise recalibration to function correctly, preventing potential hazards on Virginia highways.

The measure progressed swiftly through committees. In the House Labor and Commerce Committee, Subcommittee 2 recommended reporting with a substitute on January 22 by 7-0, followed by full committee approval of 22-0 on January 27. The Senate Commerce and Labor Committee reported its substitute 15-0 on February 23. Fiscal impact statements from the Department of Planning and Budget, issued February 3 and February 26, confirm no additional state resources are needed, with the Attorney General’s office able to enforce within existing budgets. This fiscally responsible approach underscores the bill’s practicality, imposing no burden on taxpayers while upholding standards.

Proponents highlight how the requirements foster accountability among repair shops, ensuring customers receive full information on repair options, costs, and safety implications. By classifying violations as prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, HB 312 equips the Attorney General with tools to address deceptive practices, safeguarding families who rely on safe vehicles for daily commutes and travel across the Commonwealth. The overwhelming votes—nearly unanimous in both chambers—reflect broad recognition that transparent business operations benefit honest providers and deter those cutting corners on essential safety work.

This legislation aligns with a national trend of states adopting model language from the National Conference of Insurance Legislators (NCOIL) to regulate auto glass practices. Virginia’s version, refined through substitutes in both chambers, eliminates earlier concerns over restrictive elements like prohibitions on post-loss assignments, striking a balance that supports consumer choice without overregulating small businesses. Independent glass associations noted amendments in the House substitute released January 22 improved the framework, focusing on notices rather than broader controls.

As the session nears its close, HB 312 stands poised for gubernatorial action, potentially becoming law to enhance protections for Virginia drivers. The bill’s companion, SB 767, mirrors these efforts in the Senate. With minimal fiscal impact and maximal support, it exemplifies targeted reform that prioritizes public safety, market integrity, and responsible governance. Motorists can expect clearer communications from shops, reducing risks from improperly calibrated safety systems and empowering informed decisions in repairs.

The legislation’s journey from prefiled bill to near-enactment in under two months demonstrates efficient legislative work. House passage on third reading followed engrossment with the Labor and Commerce substitute, while Senate rules suspension expedited its advance. Votes in subcommittees and full panels showed zero opposition, affirming the bill’s merits in protecting Virginians from substandard repairs that could lead to accidents, injuries, or higher insurance costs down the road.

By mandating notices on glass repair processes, including ADAS implications, HB 312 ensures shops communicate effectively with customers and insurers, promoting competition among reputable providers. This transparency bolsters free enterprise principles, allowing quality shops to thrive while holding others accountable under existing consumer laws.

Should the House concur with Senate changes, the bill heads to the governor, where its enactment would mark a win for vehicle safety and consumer rights across Virginia.