New federal work requirements could cause people with disabilities in the Medicaid expansion population to lose coverage — even when they should qualify for an exemption. Medicaid is a critical source of health care and home and community-based services (HCBS) that help many people with disabilities live independently. Last year, H.R. 1 added new work requirements to Medicaid expansion programs, putting coverage at risk for people who may face barriers to work, documentation, or navigating the exemption process.

On June 16, the Trump administration announced new interagency agreements that would shift some responsibilities for special education and civil rights enforcement from the Department of Education to other federal agencies. In plain language, an interagency agreement is an arrangement between federal agencies about how they will share or carry out work — but disability and education advocates are concerned that these agreements could make it harder for families to know where to go for help.

It’s been a busy — and deeply alarming — few weeks in Washington. Three major things have happened this month that directly affect people with disabilities.

What happens when a student needs more support at school? What happens when a person under guardianship wants to vote? What happens when someone with a developmental disability is in crisis or becomes involved in the court system?

 These are not just policy questions. They affect whether people with disabilities can learn, vote, live in their communities, and get support when they need it most.

Several bills addressing these issues passed during the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session and have now been signed into law. Here’s what passed — and what didn’t — and what it means for you.