Virginia House Bill HB937

Virginia 2022 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/22
• Refer: 1/12/22

Caption

Family planning services; restrictions on expenditure of funds.

Impact

The impact of HB937 is significant as it shapes how public funds are distributed for family planning services. The bill establishes clear guidelines on which entities can receive funds, thereby potentially enhancing the availability of services through federally qualified and rural health clinics. However, the criteria set by the bill may limit the receipt of funds by certain nonpublic health providers who do not meet the new requirements, which could have implications for service accessibility in some areas of the state.

Summary

House Bill 937 addresses expenditures related to family planning services within the state of Virginia. It amends the Code of Virginia by introducing a new section that outlines the prioritization of public funds allocated for family planning and abortion services. The bill specifies that funds should primarily support public entities, then extend to nonpublic hospitals, federally qualified health centers, rural health clinics, and finally to other nonpublic health providers primarily focused on providing primary healthcare services. This structure aims to streamline the funding process for family planning across different types of health organizations.

Contention

Notable contention surrounding HB937 revolves around concerns regarding the prioritization of funding. Critics argue that the bill may restrict access to necessary reproductive health services by favoring certain types of healthcare providers over others, particularly nonpublic entities. Supporters believe it ensures responsible use of public funds, but opponents fear it could reduce overall access to comprehensive family planning services, especially in underserved rural communities. Additionally, the bill empowers the Attorney General to enforce provisions, which could lead to legal challenges from affected entities.