ICYMI: Governor Spanberger Signs Legislation to Address High Healthcare, Housing & Energy Costs

RICHMOND, VA - Governor Abigail Spanberger yesterday signed a series of bills to tackle the high cost of healthcare, housing, and energy for Virginia families - and reiterated her commitment to reviewing the remaining legislation on her desk with a focus on making the Commonwealth a more affordable to place to live.

The Governor signed bills to crack down on rising prescription drug costs, increase the supply of available housing, and protect Virginia families and small businesses from increased energy costs.

Read below for coverage from across the Commonwealth of Governor Spanberger's action to address high healthcare, housing, and energy costs:

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Richmond Times-Dispatch: Spanberger signs 22 bills, including one concerning pharmacy benefit managers

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed a centerpiece of the list of measures she asked the General Assembly to pass to rein in health care bills.

That measure, Senate Bill 669, introduced by Sen. Aaron Rouse, D-Virginia Beach, says that pharmacy benefit managers, blamed for soaring medication prices, must pass on any discounts they negotiate to patients. It was a key part of the health care affordability platform she campaigned on last year.

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She said all the bills she signed passed with bipartisan support, with several passing unanimously.

Virginia Mercury: Spanberger signs first wave of bills targeting health care, housing and energy cost

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed the first batch of bills passed by state lawmakers before they adjourned in mid-March, advancing measures on health care, housing and energy affordability. With hundreds of bills cleared by the legislature, she has until April 13 to sign, seek amendments or veto remaining legislation.

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Following through on a campaign promise, Spanberger signed a slate of bills aimed at addressing health care affordability and access, along with measures to boost housing supply and strengthen tenant protections.

FOX5 [Washington, D.C.]: Governor Spanberger signs slate of affordability bills into law

Governor Abigail Spanberger signed a batch of affordability bills into law today. They focus on healthcare, housing, and energy.

One bill looks to stop pharmacy benefit managers - also known as PBMs - from raising prescription drug costs. Another, passed with bipartisan support, looks to use state resources to boost housing developments.

7News [Washington, D.C.]: Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs dozens of bills targeting affordability and energy costs

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed into law dozens of bills from the State House on Monday, in her first slate of legislation since taking office.

The bills mostly targeted affordability and energy costs, though other legislation was signed. One of which included a bill expanding manufactured housing zoning. Gov. Spanberger did not sign any bills related to additional taxes, according to a list of signed bills on the Virginia legislation tracker website.

CBS6 [Richmond]: Gov. Spanberger signs first batch of bills into Virginia law aimed at lowering costs

Gov. Abigail Spanberger has signed her first slate of legislation into Virginia law, according to a news release from her office.

"No Virginian should ever have to choose between seeing their doctor, paying their rent or mortgage, or keeping their lights on," Gov. Spanberger said.

8News [Richmond]: Spanberger signs bills to lower health, housing, energy costs

On Tuesday, March 31, Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) put her signature on bills set to crack down on rising prescription drug costs, increase the housing supply and protect Virginia ratepayers from increased energy costs.

Spanberger said these bills are designed to make healthcare, housing and energy more affordable, accessible and reliable for Virginians.'

13 News Now [Norfolk]: Gov. Spanberger signs first legislative package aimed at lowering healthcare, housing and energy costs

Spanberger said the measures are intended to address high prescription drug prices, expand access to affordable housing, strengthen the healthcare workforce, and shield ratepayers from increased utility costs. Many of the bills were passed with unanimous or bipartisan support.

The governor signed several bills designed to curb rising medical expenses, including legislation cracking down on pharmacy benefit managers, eliminating certain healthcare premium fees, and investing in the state's healthcare workforce. The measures include SB669, SB405, HB220/SB630 and HB60.

WTKR [Norfolk]: Spanberger Sign-a-thon: Bills target costs of drugs, housing and energy

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a series of bills aiming to push her agenda for an affordable Virginia.

"I am signing this legislation to respond to the real, pressing concerns I have heard from Virginia families across the Commonwealth about high costs - particularly at the pharmacy counter, in the housing market, and on their utility bills. I'm grateful to the lawmakers who made addressing rising costs a priority during this legislative session," Spanberger said in a statement sent to News 3.

WSLS [Roanoke]: Gov. Spanberger signs first large swath of bills since taking office

Spanberger said the legislation signed on Tuesday was primarily aimed at making healthcare, housing and energy more affordable in Virginia.

We are holding pharmacy benefit managers accountable for hiking up drug costs, cutting red tape so more Virginians can find housing that fits their budget, and tackling the high energy costs Virginians are facing across the Commonwealth.," Governor Spanberger said in a statement.

WDBJ [Roanoke]: First series of bills signed into law to combat rising costs

Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed bills into law with the goal to help bring down the cost of energy, health care, and housing for her constituents, her office announced on March 31, 2026.

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Gov. Spanberger emphasized a focus on affordability before taking office and discussed it with WDBJ7 in December 2025. On her first day on the job, she signed her first executive orders to kickstart her agenda she campaigned on.

WJHL [Bristol]: Governor Spanberger sights slate of legislation focused on affordability

Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger signed new legislation today saying it will make things like healthcare, housing, and energy more affordable.

One bill regulates pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs - Governor Spanberger said it prevents PBMs from hiking the cost of prescription drugs. Other bills encourage new housing development and invest in healthcare. One bill creates a free tax filing program; the governor says that will reduce the burden on Virginians during tax season.

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