Virginia Democrats Propose AI Rules and Data Center Limits

Nov 11, 2026
Virginia Democrats proposed civil penalties involving AI generated child sexual abuse material, restrictions on AI wage setting and tighter oversight of large data centers as part of their 2027 legislative agenda.

Democratic leaders in the Commonwealth of Virginia proposed new AI rules and data center limits for the 2027 legislative session, according to the Virginia Mercury. The agenda would ban the creation, possession and distribution of AI generated child sexual abuse material and establish civil penalties for AI companies whose technology enables users to create it.

Another proposal would restrict employers from using AI and machine learning to estimate the lowest wage or salary an applicant might accept based on surveillance data and assumptions about personal finances.

The data center measures would require local approval for facilities using more than 25 megawatts, prohibit nondisclosure agreements between operators and local governments, and limit evaporative cooling in areas with scarce water. The proposals would also shift more transmission infrastructure costs to data center companies.

Lawmakers have not filed the bills. Drafts must be available for public review by December 31, and the General Assembly session begins January 13, 2027.

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