Update: The bill has narrowly passed the House Transportation Committee. The Virginia Bicycling Federation is calling on supporters to call their local delegate in advance of an upcoming vote before the full House.

From 2/9/10:

A bill that would increase the minimum distance drivers must maintain when passing bicyclists is being considered in Richmond Richmond. The bill, HB 1048, would increase the minimum passing distance in Virginia from two feet to three feet. The bill would also prohibit drivers from following bicyclists too closely.

According to the Virginia Bicycling Federation, the bill will be considered by a state House Transportation subcommittee Wednesday morning. If it passes, it will likely be considered by the full Transportation Committee on Thursday.

The state Senate unanimously passed an identical bill, SB 566, last week.