Legislation
- House Bill 96 Proposes State Reimbursement for No-Cost School Breakfast in Virginia Public Schools
The Virginia House of Delegates considered legislation during the 2026 regular session aimed at making school breakfast available at no cost to all students in public elementary and secondary schools. House Bill 96 proposes changes to the Code of Virginia to achieve this goal through amendments and repeals of specific sections. Specifically, the bill would […]
- Virginia Launches $25 Million Pro-Business Childcare Pilot Program to Boost Workforce Participation
Virginia lawmakers have officially launched a unique twenty-five million dollar pilot program aimed at keeping parents in the workforce by partnering with private businesses. This initiative, known as the Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program, seeks to incentivize private employers to share the heavy burden of childcare costs with their workers. By focusing on a […]
- Virginia Enacts Legislation to Update Noxious Weeds Regulations and Close Commercial Loophole
In the recent 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, House Bill 109 was enacted into law, bringing important changes to the management of noxious weeds in the Commonwealth. The legislation, which amends sections 3.2-800 and 3.2-802 of the Code of Virginia, focuses on updating the definition of noxious weeds and removing barriers that had […]
- Virginia Legislation Proposes Updates to Medicaid State Plan for Consultations
Virginia lawmakers introduced a bill that would require the Department of Medical Assistance Services to update the state plan for medical assistance to include patient-initiated consultations and provider-to-provider consultations. The legislation, prefiled on January 1, 2026, and offered on January 14, 2026, amends Section 32.1-325 of the Code of Virginia to add these consultation types […]
- Virginia House Considers HB 540 Following Domestic Violence Statistics
During a session of the Virginia House of Delegates, lawmakers addressed data indicating that 11 percent of female homicide victims possessed protective orders prior to their deaths. The discussion centered on HB 540 and its potential role in improving protections for individuals at risk from domestic violence. Presenters outlined how these orders sometimes fall short […]
- Virginia Implements Landmark Energy Consumption Tax on Data Centers to Protect Taxpayers and the Grid
Virginia lawmakers have finalized a groundbreaking state budget that introduces a first-in-the-nation electricity consumption tax targeting the rapidly expanding data center industry. This new fiscal policy levies a tax of $0.011 per kilowatt-hour on all electricity consumed by these massive technology hubs operating within the Commonwealth. The measure is projected to generate a substantial $600
- Virginia Lawmaker Proposes Stronger Penalties for Dangerous Vehicle Eluding Incidents
Virginia Delegate Jason Ballard has introduced legislation in the 2026 session of the House of Delegates to strengthen the penalties associated with felony eluding in specific high-risk scenarios. House Bill 99, titled Felony eluding; mandatory minimum term in correctional facility, seeks to amend Section 46.2-817 of the Code of Virginia to impose a one-year mandatory […]
- Virginia Enacts New Rules for Handguns Left in Unattended Motor Vehicles
The Virginia General Assembly has passed legislation that sets forth specific requirements for the storage of handguns in unattended motor vehicles. This bill, designated as House Bill 110, was approved by the governor on April 13, 2026, and will take effect on July 1, 2026, as Chapter 560 of the Acts of Assembly. The primary […]
- Virginia House Examines Limitations of Protective Orders in Domestic Violence Cases
A presentation delivered in the Virginia House focused on the role of protective orders in domestic violence situations and their potential shortcomings. The discussion centered on HB540 as a proposed measure to enhance victim protections. Officials noted that these orders serve as legal documents but may not always prevent additional incidents of violence. Background on […]
- Virginia General Assembly Enacts Bill on Criminal Discovery Materials
In the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, legislation requiring enhanced access to discovery materials for the accused in criminal cases was enacted into law. House Bill 118, sponsored by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra, mandates that the Commonwealth provide copies of certain evidence to defendants upon request. The bill amends existing code sections to ensure […]
- Free Breakfast to Virginia Public School Students
The 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates featured the introduction of House Bill 96, legislation that would mandate the availability of school breakfast at no cost to students in all public elementary and secondary schools across the state. Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker sponsored the measure, which directs the Department of Education to provide reimbursements […]
- Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill to Ban Bribes for Voter Registration
The Virginia General Assembly has recently approved and enacted a new law designed to protect the voter registration process from corruption. House Bill 113, which has been signed into law, amends the Code of Virginia to prohibit the solicitation or acceptance of any money or thing of value to influence a person’s decision to register […]
- Virginia Delegate’s Bill to Increase Penalty for Voluntary Manslaughter Fails in House Committee
The 2026 Virginia legislative session featured the introduction of House Bill 102 by Delegate Jason Ballard. This legislation proposed significant changes to the penalty for voluntary manslaughter in the Commonwealth. According to the summary as introduced, the bill aims to increase the penalty for voluntary manslaughter. Currently, this offense is classified as a Class 5 […]
- Virginia House of Delegates Approves Bill Establishing Standards for Limiting Room Confinement of Minors in Juvenile Facilities
The Virginia House of Delegates approved legislation during the 2026 regular session that directs the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish standards for limiting room or cell confinement of minors in juvenile correctional facilities. The bill, designated as House Bill 91, also mandates that the department compile a report on the results of implementing these […]
- Virginia Bill Restricts Sources for Voter Registration Cancellations and Reinforces Military Voter Protections
The Virginia General Assembly has taken action on legislation that addresses the cancellation of voter registrations in the Commonwealth. Designated as House Bill 111, or HB111, during the 2026 Regular Session, this measure was introduced to regulate the sources of information that general registrars can utilize when deciding to remove a voter from the registration […]
- Eight school-based health clinics close in Southwest Virginia as federal funding pressures mount
Federally Qualified Health Centers in Southwest Virginia have shut down eight school-based health clinics, prompting the Virginia Community Healthcare Association to urge U.S. Rep. Morgan Griffith, R-Salem, to intervene. The association, which represents FQHCs across the state, sent Griffith a letter Thursday about the closures. The outreach program had served as an extension of health […]
- Virginia Delegate Introduces Legislation to Extend Early Intervention Services for Children with Disabilities
The 2026 Virginia legislative session saw the introduction of HB103, a bill sponsored by Delegate Jason Ballard that aims to extend the Early Intervention Program for Infants and Toddlers with Disabilities. This initiative directs the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services to implement the federal extension option under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. […]
- Virginia House Bill 81 Directs Review of Maximum Temperature Standards for Certain Rooms
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, House Bill 81 was introduced to direct certain state agencies to amend their regulations pertaining to the maximum temperature at which certain rooms may be kept. The bill, sponsored by Delegate Marcia Price, specifically directs the Department of Social Services to amend its regulations on […]
- New Virginia Law Directs Standards for Reducing Confinement Time for Minors in Juvenile Correctional Facilities
In the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, lawmakers approved House Bill 91, directing the Department of Juvenile Justice to establish standards for limiting room or cell confinement for minors in juvenile correctional facilities. The bill, with Delegate Holly Seibold as chief patron, has been signed into law following its passage through both the […]
- The rush to pass legislation at the last minute has led to errors.
This post was originally published on this site.It’s not the fault of Democrats when they pursue bad policies, like infringing rights, increasing taxes, and letting criminals go free early. Rarely if ever, do last-minute legislative changes bring about anything positive. The majority party changed policy in order to fix serious problems that were not caught […]
- Rep. Suhas Subramanyam Votes Against KIDS Act Despite Having Children of His Own
As a parent in Loudoun County, Virginia, few issues hit closer to home than the safety of our children online. In an era where smartphones are ubiquitous and social media platforms dominate young lives, protecting minors from harmful sexual content, predatory interactions, and addictive algorithms should be a non-negotiable priority. Yet, on June 29, 2026, […]
- Virginia Legislation Refines Voter Registration Cancellation Procedures
The Virginia House of Delegates has advanced legislation aimed at refining the procedures for cancelling voter registrations in the state. House Bill 111 amends and reenacts Section 24.2-427 of the Code of Virginia, focusing on the sources of data used for such cancellations and reinstating protections for specific voter groups. The bill requires that general […]
- Virginia House Considers Legislation to Prohibit Surveillance Pricing in Retail Transactions
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, consideration was given to legislation that would prohibit the practice known as surveillance pricing in connection with consumer transactions. The bill defines surveillance pricing as the selling or offering for sale of a good or service at a customized price for a specific consumer or […]
- Justice Department Files Lawsuit Against Virginia Over Semi-Automatic Rifle Restrictions
The United States Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit on July 1, 2026, against the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia State Police. The complaint challenges a newly enacted state law that bans the commercial purchase and sale of ordinary semi-automatic rifles. This includes AR-15-style firearms, which the department notes are owned by millions […]
- Virginia Lawmakers Enact Reforms to School Board Grievance Procedures
The Virginia General Assembly passed House Bill 116 during the 2026 regular session, a measure that amends the Code of Virginia to require specific timelines for resolving disputes in school board employee grievance procedures. The bill was approved by the Governor on April 6, 2026, and becomes effective on July 1, 2026, as Chapter 67 […]
- Justice Department Challenges Virginia Assault Weapons Law in Federal Court
The U.S. Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit on July 1, 2026, against the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia State Police. The suit challenges provisions of a state law that restrict certain semi-automatic firearms. Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon of the Civil Rights Division announced the action, which targets bans on the purchase, […]
- Spanberger joins governors in Abortion Alliance
From support for legislation and ballot referendums to helping states stockpile abortion and miscarriage management drug mifepristone, a growing cohort of governors are banding together as the Abortion Alliance. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger announced Wednesday that she has joined the coalition. Members include California Gov. Gavin Newsom, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, Gov. Wes Moore […]
- New Law Sets Rules for Handguns in Unattended Motor Vehicles in Virginia
The Virginia House of Delegates and the Senate have passed legislation that sets new standards for storing handguns in unattended motor vehicles. House Bill 110 provides that no person shall leave, place, or store a handgun in an unattended motor vehicle when the handgun is visible to any person outside the vehicle. A violation of […]
- Abigail Spanberger Discusses Cannabis Regulation Needs
Abigail Spanberger has addressed the current status of cannabis laws in Virginia. Adults may legally use cannabis under existing statutes. A lack of retail regulation has led to what she describes as a gray area in enforcement and commerce. Discussions have included potential legislation to create structured oversight. Such measures could involve forming a dedicated […]
- Testing service acquisition expands Virginia’s workforce credentialing and policy plans
Educational Testing Services, a leading test developer for colleges and universities, recently acquired ACT, the organization that administers one of the nation’s most popular standardized tests to measure students educational development for college admission. The merger will combine both entities’ expertise to create better tools to help students in Virginia and across the country succeed […]
- Virginia Republican Lawmaker Pushes for Expanded Workers’ Compensation Protections for Sheriffs and Deputies
In the 2026 session of the Virginia House of Delegates, Delegate Mitchell Cornett introduced legislation to expand critical workers’ compensation protections to sheriffs and deputy sheriffs across the commonwealth. The bill, HB130, sought to include these officers in the legal presumption that certain cancers developed after years of service are work-related. Current Law and What […]
- Virginia Senate Considers Photo Speed Cameras for George Washington Parkway Under SB81
Virginia State Senator Scott Surovell has introduced elements of Senate Bill 81 that would permit photo speed cameras on the George Washington Parkway. The discussion centers on a portion of the parkway located about 10 miles from Fairfax. During Senate proceedings, the measure encountered significant opposition from other members who characterized it as an attack […]
- White House Promotes Trump Accounts for Child Investment
The White House recently shared information about Trump Accounts, a new savings and investment option for American children. The announcement directs families to the official app for starting the process of building financial resources for the next generation. This development follows the program’s official rollout in mid-2026. Details of the Trump Accounts Initiative Trump Accounts […]
- Virginia Enacts Law Updating Discovery Procedures for Criminal Cases
In Virginia, a legislative measure has been signed into law that modifies the procedures for providing discovery materials to individuals accused of crimes in district court cases. House Bill 118 was signed by Governor Abigail Spanberger on April 13, 2026, becoming Chapter 562 of the Acts of Assembly. The law goes into effect on July […]
- Spanberger signs assault weapons ban, package of criminal justice and energy bills
Gov. Abigail Spanberger late Thursday signed a sweeping package of legislation approved during the 2026 General Assembly session, including a ban on the future sale and manufacture of assault-style firearms, new restrictions of weapons in hospitals, marijuana sentencing reforms, voter roll maintenance changes and protections for immigrant workers. The assault weapons measure, one of the […]
- High-potency marijuana fuels state debates over psychosis and addiction risks
When her son was a teenager, Connecticut mom Amy Wadsworth said, he was the type of kid parents rarely worry about. He played sports, cared about his health and stayed away from drugs. In 2018, when he left West Hartford to start his freshman year at American University in Washington, D.C., she expected his biggest […]
- Virginia House Passes Bill Directing Study of Electric Utility Infrastructure
The Virginia House of Delegates has approved legislation that requires a detailed examination of the state’s existing electric utility infrastructure. House Bill 114, introduced by Delegate Lee Ware of Powhatan, directs the Department of Energy and the State Corporation Commission to conduct a comprehensive analysis of current systems and produce a report on their findings. […]
- Virginia joins 21 states in opposing USPS gun mailing proposal
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones on Tuesday joined 21 other states in opposing a proposed United States Postal Service rule that would allow certain firearms to be sent through the mail, warning the change could undermine state gun laws and make it easier for prohibited individuals to obtain weapons. In a multi-state comment letter, the […]
- Another year, another Virginia retail marijuana market veto leaves businesses, the public with few options
By Yiqing Wang and Toby Cox/WHRO Throughout her bid for governor, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said she would support a bill to set up a legal, adult-use cannabis market — which is why her veto on May 19 caught many rooting for such a market by surprise. “I thought it was a joke, honestly,” said Julian […]
- Virginia General Assembly approves Spanberger’s budget amendments, ending monthslong impasse
With less than 48 hours remaining before the start of Virginia’s new fiscal year, the General Assembly on Monday approved a package of amendments proposed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger to the state’s two-year budget, formally ending a budget fight among the Democratic majority that had dragged on for months. The House of Delegates and state […]
- ‘It’s outrageous’: Spanberger navigates budget fight, Democratic unrest six months into governorship
Back in January, Gov. Abigail Spanberger arrived in office promising pragmatism, affordability and a less combative style of politics. Fast forward a few months, and Virginia’s first woman governor finds herself navigating one of the rockiest starts to a Democratic administration in years, with budget negotiations intensifying weeks before a shutdown deadline, frustration simmering inside […]
- The bald eagle’s comeback and centuries as national symbol
The bald eagle became a national symbol in 1782, appearing on the U.S. seal and government documents. But despite representing the country for almost 250 years, the raptor did not officially become the nation’s bird until 2024, when Congress passed legislation declaring it so and then-President Joe Biden signed it into law. Virginia lawmakers, conservationists […]
- Starting next year, public bathrooms in new Virginia buildings must have diaper-changing stations
A baby changing table in a public restroom. (Photo by Lindsey Nicholson/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images) Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, D-Alexandria, had an “ah-ha” moment when her daughter, now three, was a newborn. She’d been at a restaurant and needed to change her diaper but there was no changing station in the bathroom. Virginia law […]
- Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs wetlands, PFAS and flooding bills
Gov. Abigail Spanberger signs an environmental bill into law in Stafford, VA on May 6, 2026. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) On the banks of Aquia Creek in Stafford, Gov. Abigail Spanberger on Wednesday signed a slew of bills designed to protect Virginia’s clean water from harmful forever chemicals and aid communities as sea levels […]
- Separate Tax Rates for Land and Improvements in Fredericksburg
The 2026 Virginia General Assembly session featured the introduction of House Bill 72, a piece of legislation focused on modifying real property tax rules for the City of Fredericksburg. The bill was prefiled on December 31, 2025, and officially offered on January 14, 2026, after being ordered printed. Upon introduction, it was referred to the […]
- New law will enhance emergency response for people with disabilities
Two things inspired Del. Leslie Mehta, D-Chesterfield, the most when she sought public office: her now-deceased eldest daughter Brooke and her passion for healthcare policy. Both converged in the first piece of Mehta’s legislation to be signed into law by Gov. Abigail Spanberger. House Bill 1370, she said, is about “making sure that those with […]
- 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 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 […]
- Is Dominion’s plan to merge with NextEra good or bad for Virginians?
Man, even the Pope doesn’t like data centers. In his new encyclical on artificial intelligence, Pope Leo XIV laid out the dangers of the mad rush to replace humans with AI. Amid the concerns for the dignity and future of humanity, he took a moment to mention the environmental damage involved: Current AI systems require […]