A bill put forward by State Del. Bill Wiley would amend standards for geologist licensing and add new categories of professionals eligible for exemptions, according to the Virginia State House.
The measure, listed as HB1291 and introduced Jan. 14, 2026, during the 2026 regular session, carries the formal description: “Geologists; regulations, exemptions.”
Below is our summary, referencing the official bill text, and may interpret provisions for clarity.
Essentially, the proposed legislation makes adjustments to Virginia’s professional geologist licensing rules by specifying licensure intent and broadening circumstances for exemption. It retains current objectives—including maintaining educational and ethical benchmarks and barring work with illegal or unethical actors—while specifying that licensed individuals in other professions, certain scientists, those working under supervision, professionals certified before July 1, 2025, and federal authorities or contractors functioning in an official capacity are not subject to new licensing rules.
This bill is sponsored solely by Rep. Bill Wiley (Republican-32nd District).
Since the session began, Wiley has introduced three additional bills.
Wiley earned his BS from George Mason University in 1993.
Wiley, a member of the Republican Party, was elected to the Virginia State House in 2024 and represents the 32nd House district, succeeding former representative David Reid.
In Virginia, the legislative process involves the introduction of bills in either the House of Delegates or the Senate. Bills are reviewed by committees, which may suggest amendments before sending them to the floor for debate and a vote. If both chambers approve a measure, it moves to the governor, who has the authority to sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without a signature. The Virginia General Assembly meets each year in regular session starting the second Monday of January, considering hundreds of bills, though only some are enacted.
| Legislative Session | Patron(s) | Bill Number | Date Introduced | Short Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | Bill Wiley | HB1291 | 01/14/2026 | Geologists; regulations, exemptions. |
| 2026 | Bill Wiley | HB1288 | 01/14/2026 | Enforcement of vehicle liens; increases property value. |
| 2026 | Bill Wiley, Shelly A. Simonds, and Amy J. Laufer | HB1289 | 01/14/2026 | Geologists; added to definition of “professional services,” continuing education. |
| 2026 | Bill Wiley | HB1290 | 01/14/2026 | Commercial motor vehicle; expands definition. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley, Delores Oates, Ian T. Lovejoy, and Wren M. Williams | HB1552 | 01/08/2025 | Critical access hospitals; swing beds. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley, David Owen, and Ian T. Lovejoy | HB1567 | 01/08/2025 | Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority; operational plan submission. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley | HB1568 | 01/08/2025 | Law-enforcement jurisdiction; Frederick County Sheriff’s Dept. jurisdiction in/upon certain bldgs. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley | HB1835 | 01/08/2025 | Geologists; regulation, licensure, penalty. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley | HB1836 | 01/08/2025 | Driver training schools; definitions, operation and licensure. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley | HB2502 | 01/08/2025 | FOIA; exclusion of certain information held by Department of Workforce Development and Advancement. |
| 2025 | Bill Wiley, Bill Wiley, Ian T. Lovejoy, Ian T. Lovejoy, W. Chad Green, and W. Chad Green | HB2503 | 01/08/2025 | Virginia coordinate systems; updates several references in Code. |
Information in this article was obtained from the Virginia State House. The source data is available here.
