House of Delegates
- Budget amendment would give ratepayers estimated $3 monthly rebate from RGGI funds
An amendment to return 45% of funds earned through the regional carbon market to rate-paying residents, small business and churches is part of the two-year budget Virginia lawmakers passed Monday, which is now under review by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. The provision would require utilities that burn carbon energy sources in the state to purchase carbon […]
- Virginia House, Senate to meet Monday as budget deadline inches closer
The Virginia House of Delegates will convene Monday afternoon in Richmond, House Clerk Paul Nardo confirmed Friday. The state Senate will meet the same day, as both chambers work towards resolving the state budget, which must be finalized by June 30 or risk a government shutdown. The House had been scheduled to meet Thursday but […]
- Virginia legislators advance $205 billion budget including new tax on data centers
On Monday, Virginia legislators approved a two-year, $205 billion budget proposal to fund healthcare and public education, provide 4% teacher raises and a 3.5% pay bump to state employees, establish a retail weed marketplace and hedge against decreased federal dollars. The spending plan also includes a provision to tax data centers for their energy consumption, […]
- House Passes Updates to Senate Bill 126 on Incumbent Filings
Richmond, VA — The Virginia House of Delegates has passed modifications to Senate Bill 126, introducing targeted adjustments to election filing deadlines for incumbent officeholders. During chamber proceedings, Delegate Marcia Price presented details on the legislation, which establishes clearer parameters for how current officeholders must manage their candidacy paperwork. Key Provisions of t
- Mother Testifies to Alleged Abuse, Fraud in Franklin City Public Schools Special Education Program
During the public comment period at a recent school board meeting, the parent, accompanied by a supporter, accused school officials of filing fraudulent truancy charges against her family after she reported abuse against her nonverbal autistic son, identified in related discussions as Elijah. She claimed the school submitted false statements to the court, resulting in […]
- Virginia House Bill 53 Proposes Adjustments to School Bullying Definition
The Virginia House of Delegates took up House Bill 53 during its 2026 regular session, focusing on adjustments to the definition of student bullying in public schools. The legislation, introduced on December 29, 2025, seeks to amend and reenact Section 22.1-276.01 of the Code of Virginia. Specifically, the bill addresses student bullying by adjusting the […]
- Abigail Spanberger vetoes cannabis bill, stalling legal sales again
Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Tuesday vetoed legislation that would have created Virginia’s long-delayed adult-use cannabis retail market, halting an effort lawmakers spent months negotiating five years after the commonwealth legalized marijuana possession. The veto came after the General Assembly last month rejected Spanberger’s substitute proposal, which would have substantially rewritten the legis
- Measure Allowing Localities to Revert Local Election Schedules
Delegate Rob Bloxom has introduced House Bill 51 in the 2026 Virginia House of Delegates session to amend provisions governing the timing of certain local elections. The legislation would alter Section 15.2-1400 of the Code of Virginia and repeal the second enactment clause from Chapter 103 of the 2021 Acts of Assembly. This change targets […]
- Virginia House Bill 50 Proposes Study on Cricket as Sanctioned High School Sport
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, a bill was introduced that would encourage the Virginia High School League to conduct an evaluation of the feasibility of adding cricket as a sanctioned high school sport in Planning District 8. The legislation seeks to have the league assess whether it would be practical […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Updating Historical Horse Racing Revenue Distribution
In the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, the House of Delegates approved House Bill 49, a piece of legislation that modifies the distribution of revenues generated from pari-mutuel wagering on historical horse racing. The bill amends Section 59.1-392 of the Code of Virginia to expand the recipients of the percentage of wagering proceeds […]
- Virginia House Advances Bill Expanding Uses of Passenger Vehicle Fees for Local Emergency Medical Services
Virginia lawmakers have moved forward with a proposal to update how local communities can spend money collected from fees on certain types of vehicles. The legislation, known as House Bill 57, was introduced by Delegate Michael Feggans during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. This bill aims to amend section 46.2-694 of […]
- Legislation to Incorporate Inflation in Virginia Real Property Tax Assessments
In the ongoing efforts to refine local government financing in Virginia, Delegate Joseph McNamara has introduced House Bill 68 during the 2026 Regular Session of the House of Delegates. This legislation focuses on amending provisions in the Code of Virginia related to how counties and cities handle tax rate adjustments following real property assessments. The […]
- Virginia Legislature Advances Offshore Wind Workforce Training Initiative
The Virginia General Assembly has approved a new law intended to equip the state’s workforce with the skills necessary for the offshore wind industry. House Bill 67, which became law as Chapter 362, was signed by the governor and will take effect on July 1, 2026. The legislation focuses exclusively on developing training programs and […]
- Virginia revenues surge despite job losses amid budget standoff
Virginia’s economy is showing increasing signs of strain from slower job growth, rising inflation and weakening consumer confidence, even as state revenues continue exceeding expectations and giving lawmakers more room to negotiate a stalled state budget, Virginia Secretary of Finance Mark Sickles said Tuesday. Presenting the administration’s latest economic and revenue update to the Senate […]
- Parent Delivers Critical Testimony on Franklin City Schools’ Math Improvement Plan at Board Meeting
The speaker detailed concerns over the plan’s use of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), stating it provides no specific measures to aid pupils. He pointed to IXL, described as a supplement rather than a core program, where district students recorded 29% proficiency. The parent noted no improvement from the previous year, maintaining the division’s position […]
- Supreme Court of Virginia strikes down redistricting amendment, keeps current maps in place
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Friday struck down the voter-approved redistricting amendment, upholding a lower court ruling that had declared the measure unconstitutional less than 24 hours after last week’s special election and briefly halted its implementation. The […]
- Virginia Legislation Seeks Modernization of Social Services Technology Systems
Virginia lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at modernizing the technological infrastructure supporting the state’s administration of key federal benefit programs. House Bill 66, introduced in the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, directs the Department of Social Services and the Department of Medical Assistance Services to engage a third-party vendor to conduct a […]
- Inventory Uncovers Compliance Gaps in Loudoun County Venues Posing Public Safety Concerns
The review detected volume anomalies across the venues, described as warranting further investigation from both administrative and investigative standpoints. Officials noted that such discrepancies are not dismissed as insignificant but represent potential areas of concern requiring scrutiny. Enforcement actions have been linked to generating complaints, while numerous issues appear to exist witho
- New court challenge targets Virginia abortion amendment ballot language
Family Foundation president Victoria Cobb speaks alongside lawyers and plaintiffs in a case challenging Virginia’s pending ballot referendum to enshrine reproductive rights into the state’s constitution on April 30, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) Tazewell County makes news once again — this time over a second lawsuit challenging a proposed constitutional amendment that […]
- Abigail Spanberger’s first 100 days are flashing a warning Virginia Democrats should not ignore
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs bills to set referendums for four constitutional amendments on Feb. 6, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger signed a package of gun bills on April 10, including a ghost gun ban, an industry liability measure and a closure of the intimate partner loophole. The bills are […]
- Data center tax exemption changes still holding up Virginia budget
Virginia House Speaker Don Scott (left) and Senate President Pro Tempore Louise Lucas speak with reporters on Wednesday. (Photo by Charles Paullin/Inside Climate News) This article originally appeared on Inside Climate News (hyperlink to the original story), a nonprofit, non-partisan news organization that covers climate, energy and the environment. Sign up for their newsletter here. […]
- Concerns Mount Over Mold and HVAC Issues in Virginia Public Schools
A notable case cited involves schools in Chesterfield County’s Douglas District. There, significant delays in HVAC maintenance reportedly resulted in the release of Legionella bacteria, the causative agent of Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially deadly pneumonia. Legionella proliferates in water droplets from cooling towers and ventilation systems when not regularly cleaned and disinfected. This i
- Early poll is sobering for Spanberger, but it’s a wake-up call, not an epitaph
Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks with reporters outside the Executive Mansion in Richmond earlier this month. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) The first report card on Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s still brand-new term is in, and she can’t be happy with it. I’m hearing she’s decidedly unhappy. A new survey by the Washington Post and George Mason […]
- Virginia voters back redistricting amendment after months of legal and political battles
A voter casts a ballot in the April 21 redistricting referendum at the Stonebridge Recreational Center in Chesterfield County. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Virginia voters on Tuesday approved a constitutional amendment allowing mid-decade congressional redistricting, a move expected to dramatically reshape the state’s political map and potentially shift its congressional delegation f
- Public Input Calls for Enhanced Sustainability Features in Loudoun County’s Tuscarora Land Bay 4 Government Center Proposal
The application addresses development on the property designated for county government use. Proposed conditions encompass stormwater protection and related design elements, invasive species certification and management, low-impact development practices, and water quality tree conservation. These measures aim to minimize ecological disruption while advancing the facility’s construction. The speaker
- Virginia Referendum Pits Redistricting Proposals Against Voter-Approved Commission
The proposal stems from legislation passed by the Democrat-majority House of Delegates and Senate. It would suspend the decennial redistricting cycle mandated by Amendment 52, ratified by 67 percent of voters in 2020. That amendment established the Virginia Redistricting Commission, comprising legislators and citizens from both parties, to draw maps post-census. Ballot text reads: ‘Should […]
- Minimum Wage to $15 by 2028 Amid Close Vote
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia Senate gave final legislative approval to House Bill 1 on March 4, 2026, passing the measure by a narrow 21-19 vote and sending it to Governor Glenn Youngkin for consideration. The bill, which incrementally raises the state’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by January 1, 2028, codifies the current […]
- Virginia HB4 Clears Senate Committee, Poised to Expand Local Control Over Affordable Housing Sales
RICHMOND, Va. — House Bill 4, a measure designed to preserve affordable housing in Virginia, advanced through the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on March 4, 2026, with a 9-6 vote. The bill, which passed the House of Delegates on February 2 by a 65-34 margin, now moves closer to a full Senate vote […]
- Virginia Legislature Overwhelmingly Approves HB 312 to Safeguard Consumers in Auto Glass Repair Industry
RICHMOND — In a display of strong bipartisan consensus, the Virginia General Assembly has advanced House Bill 312, establishing clear notice requirements for motor vehicle glass repair shops to protect consumers and ensure vehicle safety. The legislation, which ties violations to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act, passed the House of Delegates by a vote of […]
- Virginia House Bill HB311 Aims to Enhance Driver Protections in Photo Speed Monitoring Enforcement
In the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session, House Bill 311, introduced by Delegate Otto Wachsmann, sought to amend state law governing photo speed monitoring devices by requiring more detailed information on mailed summonses for captured violations.
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Expanding Medicaid Telemedicine Access for Patient-Initiated Consultations
In a unanimous vote, the Virginia House of Delegates passed House Bill 1284 on February 13, 2026, incorporating provisions from House Bill 87 to broaden access to consultations under the state Medicaid plan managed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services.
- Virginia Democrats’ 10-1 map proposal heads to Gov. Spanberger’s desk
Virginia’s General Assembly approved a proposal to redraw the congressional map, which favors Democratic candidates for 10 of 11 commonwealth districts. Next stop for the prototype redistricting is the Democratic Governor. Abigail Spanberger’s desk. The governor can sign the entire bill, veto a specific item, amend the legislation, or choose not to act at all. […]
- Lawmakers retreat from VMI oversight transfer, advance board overhaul
The Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. The House Education Committee on Wednesday advanced a revised bill reshaping the institute’s Board of Visitors while dropping a proposal that would have transferred oversight to Virginia State University. (Photo by Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) The House Education Committee on Wednesday scrapped a proposal to place the Virginia Military Institute [
- Senate Republican Caucus Celebrates Court Victory Protecting Virginia Voters and the Redistricting Commission
In October 2025, House Speaker Don Scott reconvened the 2024 Special Session—originally called by Governor Youngkin solely for budget purposes
- ‘We’re toast’: Virginia GOP erupts in finger-pointing after sweeping Democratic wins
Rick Buchanan didn’t expect to walk out before the first session even ended.
- Data centers dominate House District 21 race between Thomas and Gorham
In Northern Virginia, a closely watched House of Delegates race is centered on how candidates plan to rein in the state’s booming data center industry and meet its soaring energy demands.
- House District 97, anchored in Virginia Beach, could determine party majority in House of Delegates
Just two years after House District 97 flipped from Republican to Democrat, the Virginia Beach district is being closely watched as a key race that could determine if Democrats will maintain their majority in the House, a hold they gained in 2023.
- Virginia’s energy needs can’t wait. Now is the time for nuclear power and clean gas.
The Virginia Clean Economy Act was passed into law by the Governor of Virginia. Its supporters celebrated this bold step towards a future free from carbon. The ink had barely dried before the realities and assumptions of the 21st Century began to overwhelm its assumptions. Virginia’s demand for energy has increased dramatically in just a […]
- Kannan Srinivasan – Democrat Criticized for His Strategic Moves in Senate District 32
Kannan Srinivasan, a Democratic candidate for Senate District 32, has drawn sharp criticism for his pattern of relocating to position himself for political office.
- Tysons Casino proponent donates $15,000 to Arlington Democrat delegates Patrick Hope and Adele McClure
Two Arlington state representatives received $15,000 from a developer who hopes to bring casino gaming to Northern Virginia.
- Marty Martinez’s Retail Theft Repeal Bill Stalls at Virginia House
A bold attempt by Delegate Fernando “Marty” Martinez (D-Leesburg) to repeal Virginia’s stringent organized retail theft law met an abrupt halt during the 2025 legislative session, as the House of Delegates opted to punt the issue to the Virginia State Crime Commission for further study.
- Kannan Srinivasan on why he voted against notifying parents of drug overdoses
State Senator Del. Kannan Srinivasan (D-Dist. 32) answers why he voted against a bipartisan bill that would have mandated schools to inform parents within 24 hours of overdoses at school. The Virginia State Senate passed the legislation unanimously, but Democrats in the Virginia House of Delegates blocked it. A law requiring schools to inform parents of […]