Virginia SB 384 / HB 797 — Independent Verification Organization (IVO) AI Safety Study Commission
Virginia · 2026 Va. Acts, SB 384 / HB 797 (JCOTS IVO Study Directive), eff. July 1, 2026
Virginia enacted SB 384 and companion HB 797 on April 13, 2026, directing the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) to study the feasibility of a framework for Independent Verification Organizations (IVOs) — independent bodies that would assess whether AI models and applications meet safety standards designed to prevent personal injury and property damage. This is a study directive only; it does not create any compliance obligations for AI developers or deployers today. If JCOTS recommends a framework, future legislation could require IVO certification before deployment of high-risk AI systems in Virginia.
Technical detail
SB 384 / HB 797 (2026 General Assembly) directs the Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) to study the feasibility of establishing a framework for Independent Verification Organizations (IVOs) that would independently verify whether AI models and applications satisfy technical safety standards (personal injury / property damage prevention focus). No current compliance obligations; JCOTS will report findings and recommendations to the General Assembly. Companion to Virginia's deregulatory posture after Gov. Youngkin vetoed the broader HB 2094 high-risk AI act in 2025. Signed by Gov. Spanberger April 13, 2026; passed 84-14 (House) and 40-0 (Senate).
Who is protected: Virginia residents who may be harmed by unsafe AI systems (future protection, pending IVO framework adoption)
Who must comply: Joint Commission on Technology and Science (JCOTS) — required to conduct and report the study
Key facts
| Jurisdiction | Virginia |
|---|---|
| Level | State |
| Status | In effect |
| Protection strength | Limited protection |
| Effective date | 2026-07-01 |
| Enacted | 2026-04-13 |
| Citation | 2026 Va. Acts, SB 384 / HB 797 (JCOTS IVO Study Directive), eff. July 1, 2026 |
| Enforced by | Virginia General Assembly (receives JCOTS report); no enforcement mechanism yet |
| Topics | automated decision-making · government use of AI · AI disclosure and transparency |
| Last verified | 2026-07-22 |
| Official source | Virginia LIS — SB 384 (2026): Independent Verification Organizations (IVOs) for AI Safety ↗ |
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