Nicole Cole
- Runaway Education Spending: The $98.4 Million Question in Virginia’s Budget
The Virginia state budget now includes a massive $98.4 million one-time supplement to the At-Risk Add-On program for public school divisions across the Commonwealth. This massive injection of taxpayer dollars is earmarked for local operating or capital needs while a legislative subcommittee continues to evaluate ongoing funding requirements. Fiscal conservatives are raising serious alarms over […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia Budget Includes Marijuana Retail Framework With Enforcement Pause
Virginia lawmakers approved a state budget that incorporates language establishing a regulated retail market for marijuana. The provisions set the start date for legal sales at July 1 of the following year. This timeline creates an interval of approximately one year prior to the activation of the new regulatory structure. Virginia State Police received instructions […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Record Education Bill as State Spends Billions Despite Declining Enrollment
The state of Virginia has officially enacted a budget that includes a staggering two billion dollars in new public education funding. This record-breaking allocation represents the largest single investment in public education in the history of the commonwealth, placing an immense long-term burden on hardworking taxpayers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently praised the spending package, claiming
- Virginia Lawmakers Approve Reforms to Underinsured Motorist Insurance Claims Process
The Virginia General Assembly has passed and the governor has signed into law House Bill 107, which introduces important changes to how underinsured motorist benefits are handled in the Commonwealth. The legislation, which amends sections 8.01-66.1:1 and 38.2-2206 of the Code of Virginia, focuses on clarifying procedures for settlements involving liability insurance and the subsequent […]
- Landlords to Offer Payment Plans Before Evicting for Minor Rent Defaults, Virginia General Assembly Approves Bill
Virginia General Assembly Approves Bill Requiring Landlords to Offer Payment Plans Before Evicting for Minor Rent Defaults The Virginia House of Delegates and Senate have passed legislation that establishes new protocols for landlords seeking to address tenant nonpayment of rent under the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. House Bill 95 specifically targets situations where […]
- 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 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 Lawmakers Quietly Extend Costly Refundable Tax Credit Through 2030
The Virginia state budget continues to expand at an unsustainable pace as lawmakers quietly extend a costly welfare provision disguised as a tax break. Through the third enactment clause of the 2026 Appropriation Act, the state government has officially extended the refundable Virginia Earned Income Tax Credit at twenty percent of the federal level through […]
- 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’s $1.94 Billion Data Center Giveaway: A Colossal Failure of Fiscal Restraint
The recently finalized Virginia budget reveals a staggering fiscal reality for hardworking taxpayers who are currently subsidizing the booming data center industry. While lawmakers publicly tout a newly implemented electricity consumption tax, they quietly retained a massive retail sales and use tax exemption for these technology giants through the year 2035. This corporate carve-out represents […
- 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’s $1.4 Billion Education Budget Surge Sparks Conservative Concerns Over Runaway Spending
Lawmakers in Virginia have recently finalized a state budget that includes a massive $1.4 billion overall increase in K-12 public education funding. This unprecedented surge in spending raises serious concerns among fiscal conservatives who advocate for reducing the budget and saving taxpayer money. Instead of finding efficiencies within existing frameworks, the state government has opted […]
- 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 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 […]
- 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, […]
- 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 […]
- Rejected Virginia student voter registrations, Judge approves settlement
A federal judge has approved a consent decree requiring Virginia election officials to accept certain voter registration applications submitted by college students, resolving a lawsuit that alleged students were being improperly denied registration over missing dormitory-related details. The agreement, approved last week by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, bars electi
- FOIA Fee Practices Draw Attention in Virginia Local Government Operations
Questions have emerged in Virginia regarding the role of fees charged for Freedom of Information Act requests by local government entities. These charges are intended to offset the administrative expenses of processing records, yet they have prompted discussion about their potential effect on the volume and nature of public inquiries. In regions such as Fairfax, […]
- 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 Universities Draw Attention for Handling of Parent Record Requests
Public universities in Virginia have been noted for practices that limit or complicate parents’ access to records concerning their children’s academic and campus experiences. These institutions reportedly require additional steps and documentation that extend the time needed to fulfill information requests. Such approaches affect families who support higher education through various contributions.
- 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, […]
- 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
- 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 […]
- 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 budget impasse threatens school funding, poses potential staffing challenges
If state leaders don’t finalize the budget by July 1, Virginia school leaders say there will be insufficient funding for special education, at-risk students, educator compensation and student services. (Photo by Getty Images) Virginia’s education leaders say they are optimistic about the proposed K-12 funding in the state budget, but their outlook is tempered by […]
- 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 […]
- Here’s what House lawmakers want to require of data centers to keep their sales tax break
Del. Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, walks the House floor towards the dais after being re-elected Virginia House Speaker in January 2026. (Photo by Charlotte Rene Woods/ Virginia Mercury) As lawmakers work behind closed doors to finalize the state’s $212 billion budget before the next fiscal year begins in July, negotiations hinge on whether the data center […]
- 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, […]
- Virginia House Debates Leadership Structure for New Distributed Energy Resources Task Force
Helmer’s comments focused on Recommendation 3 within the bill, arguing that board-chosen leadership aligns with standard practices for such advisory groups. The exchange highlighted procedural nuances in establishing the task force, which would include representatives from utilities like Dominion Energy, environmental organizations, local governments, and industry experts. These entities are pivot
- Virginia Marijuana retail plan in limbo after lawmakers reject Spanberger changes
In Virginia, the future of a legal, regulated market for adult-use marijuana remains in limbo years after possession was legalized. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Five years after Virginia legalized simple adult possession of marijuana, lawmakers are at an impasse over how to finally stand up a legal retail market, after the General Assembly […]
- 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 weighs challenge to redistricting amendment
The Supreme Court of Virginia in Richmond on April 27, 2026. (Photo by Samantha Willis/Virginia Mercury) The Supreme Court of Virginia on Monday heard arguments over whether Democrats followed constitutional requirements in advancing a voter-approved redistricting amendment, zeroing in on disputes over election timing, public notice requirements and the scope of a special session last […]
- 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 […]
- Early voting underway for Virginians to weigh in on congressional redistricting plan
This post was originally published on this site.Virginians can now begin voting on whether the state should temporarily redraw its congressional districts as part of a rare springtime special election. The step, tied to a proposed constitutional amendment, comes after Virginia’s General Assembly approved the measure, followed by Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s signing. Former President Barack […]