Laura Jane Cohen
- Virginia Senate Committee Advances House Bill 37 to Make Permanent Protections for Developmental Disabilities Services
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia Senate’s Education and Health Committee unanimously approved House Bill 37 on February 26, 2026, rereferring it to the Finance and Appropriations Committee as the 2026 legislative session progresses toward crossover. The measure, which seeks to repeal a July 1, 2026, sunset provision on financial eligibility standards for developmental disability waivers,
- Public Hearing Addresses Firearm Policies in Virginia Public Spaces
During a recent legislative hearing in Virginia, a resident provided testimony regarding restrictions on carrying firearms in certain public locations. The speaker described how laws designating stores and rest areas as sensitive zones require individuals to leave their firearms outside these spaces. This requirement was presented as creating potential vulnerabilities for those who hold permits. [
- Delegate Presents Case on Concealed Carry at Virginia Rest Stops and ABC Stores
During a House of Delegates committee meeting, a delegate outlined concerns about current Virginia laws restricting concealed carry at rest stops and ABC stores. The presentation focused on potential safety issues for individuals in these locations under existing regulations. Committee attendees received information on how prohibitions affect enforcement officers and permit holders. Details on Loc
- Speaker Presents Views on Gun-Free Zones During Virginia Committee Session
During a meeting of the Virginia House of Delegates Committee, a speaker delivered testimony regarding gun-free zones. The remarks focused on the ways these zones influence the ability of individuals to maintain personal security. Specific references were made to scenarios involving travel and stops at rest areas. The speaker outlined the steps citizens must take […]
- Virginia Committee Reviews House Bill 623 on Property Return Procedures
A committee of the Virginia House of Delegates held a discussion on HB 623 which seeks to modify existing procedures for returning property to victims of crime. The bill proposes adjustments that would allow local law enforcement to handle certain returns without additional court involvement in specified circumstances. This approach aims to address current requirements […]
- Virginia House Transportation Committee Approves Helmet Requirement Legislation
The Virginia House of Delegates Transportation Committee reviewed and advanced House Bill 343 during its recent meeting. The legislation proposes requirements for helmet use on skateboards and scooters as well as nonmotorized scooters. The measure received approval following a subcommittee review and a subsequent committee vote. The process included a motion to report the bill […]
- Virginia House Committee Approves Bill to Restrict Credit Cards in Sports Betting
A Virginia House committee has advanced legislation that would ban the use of credit cards for sports betting activities in the state. The measure passed with a 19-0 vote during the committee session. This step brings the proposal closer to further consideration in the legislative process. Details of the Legislative Action The bill focuses specifically […]
- Virginia House Advances HB 49 on Historical Horse Racing Revenue Allocation
HB 49 advanced in a Virginia House of Delegates committee with a nine to zero vote. The bill addresses the redistribution of revenue generated from historical horse racing. Delegate Torian provided an overview of the funding distribution process during the session. The legislation specifies how proceeds from historical horse racing are allocated to various foundations. […]
- Testimony Presented on House Bill 696 Regarding Firearm Possession at Virginia Rest Areas
Testimony occurred before the Virginia House of Delegates concerning House Bill 696. The measure addresses whether citizens may carry firearms at rest areas. Representatives from the National Rifle Association and the Liberal Gun Club participated in the session. The presented arguments focused on self-defense needs for travelers. Speakers described potential risks in remote locations where […]
- Virginia House Subcommittee Advances Poker Age Bill
The ABC/Gaming Subcommittee of the Virginia House of Delegates convened to review legislation concerning gaming regulations. During the session, members considered House Bill 396 sponsored by Delegate Krizek. The bill addresses minimum age requirements for Texas Hold’em poker tournaments. Chair Torian presided over the meeting as the panel examined a substitute version of the measure. […]
- Virginia Department of Elections Demands Massive Budget Increases Amidst Glaring Fiscal Waste
Virginia taxpayers are facing an increasingly heavy financial burden as the state government proposes significant and questionable budget increases for the Department of Elections. The Administration secretariat, which directly oversees the state electoral department, is slated for a massive 6.5 percent overall General Fund spending increase for the upcoming 2026-2028 biennium. Fiscal conservative
- Virginia Reenters RGGI Carbon Market Amid Concerns Over Hidden Taxes and Bureaucratic Spending
The state of Virginia is officially reentering the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative under the newly finalized budget for the upcoming fiscal year. Governor Abigail Spanberger championed the move, reversing the previous administration’s decision to exit the controversial carbon-trading market. While the administration touts a new utility bill relief mechanism, fiscal conservatives warn that the p
- Virginia legislator Louise Lucas was allowed to use campaign funds for her defense. So she did.
State Sen. Louise Lucas, the powerful Portsmouth Democrat, used $300,000 in campaign funds to contribute to her legal defense fund and hire a law firm following an FBI raid in May on her businesses in Portsmouth. That’s a sizable amount. What The Virginian-Pilot article should have noted higher in the story was that Lucas was […]
- Virginia House Bill 86 Proposes Mattress Stewardship Program with New Recycling Fee
Richmond, Virginia — During the 2026 regular session of the Virginia General Assembly, attention turned to House Bill 86, which proposed the establishment of a Mattress Stewardship Program aimed at improving the management of discarded mattresses in the Commonwealth. Sponsored by Delegate Amy Laufer, the bill sought to amend the Code of Virginia by adding […]
- 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 […]
- Debate Emerges Over Off-the-Record Meetings in Virginia
Virginia Democrats are considering allowing secret meetings out of the public eye. This consideration has led to a debate on whether transparency in state government might be affected. The discussion focuses on the implications for open proceedings. The topic involves the nature of off-the-record political meetings. One aspect highlighted is that gatherings involving more than […]
- 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
- 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 Democrats seek emergency injunction from US Supreme Court in redistricting fight
The U.S. Supreme Court building. (Photo by Ariana Figueroa/States Newsroom) Virginia Democrats on Monday asked the U.S. Supreme Court to revive the voter-approved redistricting amendment struck down last week by the Supreme Court of Virginia, escalating the fight over the state’s congressional map to the nation’s highest court with the 2026 midterms inching closer. In […]
- Virginia Democrats File Typo-Riddled Motion Seeking U.S. Supreme Court Review After State Court Strikes Down Redistricting Amendment
RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Democrats have asked the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene in a high-stakes redistricting dispute after the Virginia Supreme Court nullified a voter-approved constitutional amendment on procedural grounds, a development that preserves the state’s current congressional maps for the 2026 midterm elections. The Virginia Supreme Court ruled 4-3 on May 8, 2026, […]
- Democrats fail to pass budget
This post was originally published on this site. In politics, there are some days when whole months can happen. The General Assembly reconvened on Wednesday, April 22, and it was one such day. It never stops. What is the common factor? I think it’s Democrats who make bad decisions. You would think that a $50-million […]
- Virginia Delegate Lopez Critiques School Curriculum Limits in House Address
Lopez pointed to Youngkin’s inauguration day actions, where the governor issued multiple executive orders, including one targeting inherently divisive concepts in curricula. This order sought to end teachings promoting ideas associated with critical race theory, such as claims of inherent racial superiority or oppression. Lopez described these as an ill-defined mandate setting sights on race […]
- Virginia Supreme Court Prepares to Hear Challenge to Narrowly Passed Redistricting Amendment
The amendment stems from Democratic efforts in the General Assembly to revisit congressional maps drawn in 2021 by the state Supreme Court. Those maps, created after a 2020 voter-approved measure established an independent commission, resulted in a configuration reflecting Virginia’s competitive politics, approximately 7 Democratic-leaning districts to 4 Republican-leaning ones. Proponents of the
- Virginia lawmakers recess special session without a budget deal
The Virginia state Capitol in Richmond, where lawmakers convened Thursday for a special session to finalize the budget. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/Virginia Mercury) The Virginia General Assembly convened for a special session Thursday to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget, but recessed after just a few hours without a deal, underscoring deep divisions within […]
- GOP’s hope to undo Virginia’s new redistricting power grows after judge halts maps
Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond, Va. (Photo by Parker Michels-Boyce for The Virginia Mercury) After losing Tuesday’s closely watched redistricting referendum, Virginia Republicans are now shifting their focus to the courts, arguing the legal fight — not the ballot box — will ultimately determine whether the measure stands. That legal fight escalated late Wednesday, […]
- Va. lawmakers OK governor’s tweaks to major bills, reject health and labor bill amendments
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger speaks with the press as lawmakers deliberate her changes to their bills on April 22, 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) Virginia lawmakers met Wednesday to weigh Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments to dozens of bills passed this year, reflecting both shared goals and differing views on some of the […]