Senate
- Mother Testifies on Nitrous Oxide Dangers Before Virginia State Senate
A mother provided testimony during a Virginia State Senate session focusing on the health concerns associated with nitrous oxide products sold at local vape and smoke shops. The presentation described the substance as a legal item with documented effects on the legs and lungs. Medical experts referenced in the remarks explained the process by which […]
- Virginia’s new pay transparency law changes the rules for job postings
Virginia job seekers now have a right to know what a position pays before applying online under a new state law aimed at giving workers more leverage in hiring and salary negotiations. The new law, which took effect July 1, requires employers to include a good-faith wage or salary range in public and internal job […]
- Virginia House Advances Legislation Establishing At-Risk Program for Public Schools
The Virginia General Assembly is considering important changes to the way public schools receive state funding for supporting students with additional needs. Legislation known as House Bill 92 would establish a dedicated At-Risk Program as part of the Standards of Quality that govern educational services across the commonwealth. This program is designed to provide resources […]
- Transportation board OKs stricter oversight for economic development fund
The Commonwealth Transportation Board on Wednesday accepted regulation changes outlining how funds from the state’s Transportation Partnership Opportunity Fund will be allocated, giving state lawmakers additional time to review the proposals. Since 2005, the fund, a flexible economic development tool, has invested over $644 million as of Jan. 31 to support major projects, including transportation
- Virginia’s New Data Center Tax: A Billion-Dollar Excuse for Government Expansion
Virginia lawmakers have officially adopted a first-of-its-kind statewide energy consumption tax on data centers, sparking concerns among fiscal conservatives about government overreach and unchecked spending. The new levy imposes a $0.011 per kilowatt-hour charge on all electricity consumed by these facilities, which is projected to generate up to $600 million annually for state coffers. While […]
- Virginia Bill to Review Temperature Mandates in Multi-Family Housing Failed
The Virginia General Assembly considered legislation in 2026 that would have initiated a review of temperature standards for multi-family residential buildings across the commonwealth. House Bill 119, introduced early in the session, aimed to direct the Board of Housing and Community Development to assemble a stakeholder advisory group focused on potential updates to the Uniform […]
- Virginia State Senate Advances Public Safety and Veterans Budget Proposals
The Virginia State Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee has outlined specific amendments to public safety and veterans funding through Senate Bill 29 and Senate Bill 30. These measures propose targeted general fund increases for fiscal years 2026 through 2028. Allocations address operational needs in law enforcement agencies and correctional facilities. Veterans care initiatives also receiv
- Virginia Enacts Law Allowing Electronic Submissions for Concealed Handgun Permits
Virginia has taken a step to update its concealed handgun permitting process with the enactment of House Bill 101. Sponsored by Delegate Jason Ballard of the 42nd District, the bill modifies section 18.2-308.02 of the Code of Virginia to allow alternate methods for submitting applications for permits to carry concealed handguns. The law was approved […]
- Virginia Senator Louise Lucas Reports Campaign Expenditures for Legal Costs Ahead of New Restrictions
State Senator Louise Lucas of Portsmouth authorized two payments from her campaign account on June 30 that totaled $300,000 and were directed toward legal defense expenses. These disbursements occurred one day before new state legislation restricting the personal use of campaign funds became operative. Campaign finance filings show one payment of $200,000 went to the […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Burdened with Sweeping State Employee Raises in New Biennium Budget
The newly finalized Virginia budget for the 2026-2028 biennium places a massive financial burden on hardworking taxpayers to fund sweeping salary increases for government workers. Governor Abigail Spanberger recently signed off on a spending plan that mandates a 3.5 percent annual salary increase for state employees and state-supported local employees across the board. Additionally, the […]
- Nitrous Oxide Dangers Highlighted in Legislative Testimony
Nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, carries risks that extend beyond recreational perceptions and can lead to profound health complications. Testimony presented during a recent Virginia State Senate meeting underscored the substance’s capacity to inflict lasting damage on users and their support networks. This development brings renewed focus to public health strategies aimed at […]
- Virginia Senate Advances Budget Proposals Including Employee Salary Increases and Bonuses
The Virginia Senate has introduced budget measures that outline specific funding for compensation adjustments affecting state employees. Senate Bill 29 focuses on fiscal year 2026 while Senate Bill 30 covers the full biennium. These proposals include allocations for salary increases, a one-time bonus, and related benefits along with corresponding savings. ## Key Provisions in Senate […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Continued Spending Surge with $98.4 Million Education Supplement
Virginia lawmakers are advancing a massive spending initiative that includes a $98.4 million one-time supplement to the At-Risk Add-On program for public school divisions. This latest financial maneuver is officially intended to address specific local operating or capital needs throughout the upcoming biennium. However, fiscal conservatives are raising severe alarms about the sheer volume of […]
- Virginia Democrats Push Massive Budget Expansion Replete With New Taxes and Unprecedented Spending
Governor Abigail Spanberger and Democratic leaders in Richmond have finalized a state budget that drastically expands the size and scope of Virginia government. The newly approved spending plan features a record-shattering $2 billion in new public education funding and creates massive new entitlement programs at the expense of taxpayers. While proponents argue these measures are […]
- Virginia Senate Reviews Proposal to Cap Tuition Increases at 2.5 Percent
The Virginia Senate is considering Senate Bill 30 which would limit annual tuition growth at public higher education institutions to 2.5 percent. This legislative proposal comes amid ongoing conversations about the costs associated with college attendance in the state. The bill seeks to establish a fixed percentage for allowable increases in tuition rates. Senate Bill […]
- Virginia Budget Expands Universal School Meals with $17.6 Million Taxpayer Price Tag
Virginia lawmakers have approved a significant spending increase in the state budget, allocating $17.6 million from the General Fund across the biennium to expand school meal programs. The funding targets the Virginia Department of Education and Direct Aid to Public Education to increase reimbursement rates for school breakfasts. However, a primary goal of this multimillion-dollar […]
- Late on rent? New Virginia law gives tenants more time and protection from eviction
Tamiaka Bryant has rebuilt her life from scratch before. She doesn’t want to have to do it again. Originally from North Carolina, Bryant saw her hometown of New Bern pummeled by Hurricane Florence in 2018. Flooding and heavy winds caused an estimated $100 million in commercial and residential damage, prompting the city to spend the […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Forced to Foot $150 Million Bill for Expiring Federal Healthcare Subsidies
The recent Virginia state budget negotiations have culminated in a massive taxpayer-funded bailout to cover the expiration of federal healthcare subsidies. Lawmakers ultimately approved a staggering $150 million to backfill the Virginia Health Benefit Exchange, shifting a significant financial burden directly onto the shoulders of state residents. This massive expenditure stems from an initial Hou
- Virginia Taxpayers Foot the Bill for Record Two Billion Dollar Education Spending Spree
The recently finalized fiscal year 2027 to 2028 biennium budget for the State of Virginia includes a staggering two billion dollar investment in new public education funding. A central component of this massive financial package is a mandated four percent salary increase for public school teachers and support staff in each of the next two […]
- Virginia General Assembly Pushes $79.1 Million Taxpayer Bailout to Cover Expiring Federal Healthcare Subsidies
Lawmakers in Richmond are pushing forward a massive spending initiative that will cost Virginia taxpayers tens of millions of dollars to prop up expiring federal healthcare subsidies. Budget Amendment Item 478 heavily impacts the state budget by allocating a staggering $79.1 million from the General Fund for fiscal year 2027 alone. This costly legislative measure […]
- Virginia Enacts New Law Prohibiting Bribery to Influence Voter Registration
Virginia lawmakers have passed and enacted House Bill 113, a measure designed to strengthen protections against corruption in the state’s voter registration system. The bill, introduced in the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia House of Delegates, amends the Code of Virginia to address new offenses related to bribing individuals to register to vote. Delegate […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Face Another Massive Bill as State Approves $117.6 Million for School Bonuses
The Virginia state budget continues to expand at a rapid pace, placing an ever-growing financial burden on hardworking taxpayers across the commonwealth. Lawmakers have recently allocated a staggering $117.6 million to cover the state’s share of a $1,500 per position bonus for school divisions to deploy in fiscal year 2027. This massive expenditure comes on […]
- Virginia Taxpayers Shoulder the Burden as Lawmakers Push Costly State Employee Pay Raises
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial commitment following the approval of a revised state budget that significantly expands government spending. Lawmakers recently finalized a spending plan that guarantees a 3.5 percent annual pay raise for state employees across the board for both fiscal years 2027 and 2028. This sweeping measure replaces a more modest […]
- Virginia Legislature Rejects Governor Youngkin’s Tax Cuts for Workers, Keeping Millions in State Coffers
The Virginia state legislature recently rejected a budget proposal from Governor Glenn Youngkin that would have provided significant tax relief to hard-working citizens across the commonwealth. By removing proposed state-specific income subtractions for tips, overtime pay, and motor vehicle loan interest, lawmakers effectively maintained a heavier tax burden on everyday workers. This decision funn
- Virginia General Assembly Passes Bill Extending Assault and Battery Protections to Temporary District Court Judges
Virginia Lawmakers Approve Measure to Protect Temporary District Court Judges from Assault and Battery The Virginia General Assembly has passed House Bill 124, a piece of legislation that extends important legal protections to district court judges serving on temporary recall. Sponsored by Delegate Atoosa Reaser, the bill amends the Code of Virginia to add these […]
- Virginia Allocates $1.25 Million in Taxpayer Funds to Study K-12 Education Spending
The Virginia legislature has finalized a state budget that includes a massive $1.25 million allocation aimed at reviewing the public education funding formula. This significant expenditure will fund the Joint Subcommittee on Elementary and Secondary Education Funding over the upcoming biennium. Conservative watchdogs are raising serious concerns that this allocation represents another layer of bur
- Virginia FY2027 Budget Pushes $25 Million into New Housing Bureaucracy
As Virginia lawmakers finalize the fiscal year 2027 budget, taxpayers are facing the financial burden of yet another newly created government entity. The proposed budget allocates a staggering $25 million to capitalize the brand-new Virginia Housing Revolving Loan Fund. This massive expenditure represents a significant expansion of state government designed to subsidize mixed-income housing projec
- Virginia Enacts Legislation Updating Teacher Reemployment and Contract Notice Rules
The Virginia General Assembly has enacted legislation that updates the rules governing the employment of public school teachers across the state. House Bill 125, which became law in April 2026, amends section 22.1-304 of the Code of Virginia to address the reemployment of teachers who have not yet received continuing contract status. The measure also […]
- Virginia House of Delegates Approves Legislation for Comprehensive Review of Electric Utility Infrastructure
The Virginia House of Delegates has moved forward with House Bill 114, a measure that seeks to enhance the management of the state’s electric utility system through detailed study. Sponsored by Delegate Lee Ware, the bill received unanimous approval on February 2, 2026, passing by a vote of 99 to 0. This action highlights the […]
- Fairfax County Faces Scrutiny Over ICE Detainer Declines and Local Crime Incidents
According to data compiled by the Center for Immigration Studies (CIS), Fairfax County declined 744 ICE detainers for criminal noncitizens held in local custody. CIS Director Jessica Vaughan noted that these included gang members, child predators, and sex offenders. The organization ranks Fairfax among the top sanctuary jurisdictions nationwide for such releases. Separate reports cite […]
- Virginia Taxpayers on the Hook for $136.1 Million as Lawmakers Eliminate Spending Caps on Private Day Schools
Virginia taxpayers are facing a steep financial burden as the state government allocates a staggering $136.1 million from the General Fund over the biennium for the Children’s Services Act. This massive influx of taxpayer dollars is intended to address soaring caseloads and the escalating costs of private day school placements for at-risk youth. However, fiscal […]
- Virginia Budget Shifts Rural EV Charging Costs Away from State Taxpayers
The Virginia state budget for the upcoming fiscal year introduces a fiscally responsible shift regarding the funding of electric vehicle infrastructure in rural communities. Under budget amendment Item 420, lawmakers have replaced direct state spending with a language-only directive that protects state taxpayer dollars from being drained by expensive green energy initiatives. This conservative mov
- After years of effort, Chesapeake Bay-specific menhaden population study gets funding
With new state dollars granted by the General Assembly by way of a budget amendment from Gov. Abigail Spanberger, scientists and lawmakers plan to examine the menhaden population inside the Chesapeake Bay, the culmination of years of legislative efforts. The data will be essential to determine whether updated conservation standards and catch limits for the […]
- Virginia Budget Adds $600 Million Data Center Tax Amid Continued State Overspending
Virginia lawmakers have passed a new state budget that introduces a first-of-its-kind electricity consumption tax on data centers, raising serious questions about fiscal responsibility and government overspending. Taking effect on July 1, 2026, the provision levies a fee of 1.1 cents per kilowatt-hour on electricity consumed by these massive technology hubs. The new tax is […]
- Virginia Secures Vital Tax Relief, Blocking Massive 2027 Tax Hike to Curb Government Overspending
Virginia lawmakers have officially secured a critical financial victory for hardworking taxpayers by increasing the standard tax deduction for the upcoming years. Under the new budget framework, the standard deduction will rise to $9,200 for single filers and $18,400 for joint filers for tax year 2027. This legislative action serves as a vital safeguard against […]
- Virginia Secures Critical Tax Relief as Standard Deductions Rise for 2027
Hardworking families across the Commonwealth of Virginia are securing a critical financial victory as the state prepares to implement increased standard tax deductions for the upcoming years. Starting in tax year 2027, the standard deduction will rise to $9,200 for single filers and $18,400 for joint filers. This legislative move effectively keeps millions of dollars […]
- New Requirements for Handgun Storage in Unattended Vehicles, Virginia Legislature Approves Bill
Virginia Legislature Approves Bill Establishing Requirements for Handgun Storage in Unattended Vehicles The 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly concluded with the enactment of House Bill 110, which introduces new rules governing the storage of handguns in unattended motor vehicles. Sponsored by Amy Laufer, the bill was signed by the governor on April […]
- Virginia’s $207 Billion Budget Sparks Conservative Concerns Over Permanent Government Pay Hikes
The newly finalized Virginia biennial budget, an absolutely massive spending plan totaling between $205 billion and $207 billion, introduces significant permanent compensation increases for state employees across the board. Lawmakers in Richmond have officially approved a 3.5 percent annual salary increase for state workers and state-supported local employees across each of the next two fiscal […]
- Public college governing boards
Even after being ousted as the Virginia Military Institute’s first Black superintendent last summer, retired Major General Cedric Wins said Monday at a higher education-focused conference in Washington D.C. that by helping to examine and improve governing boards for Virginia’s public colleges and universities on a state commission, he is committing another act of service. […]
- Virginia General Assembly Approves Measure Prohibiting Certain Ingredients in Cosmetics
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislation prohibiting the manufacture and sale of cosmetic products containing specific hazardous ingredients has been enacted in Virginia following approval by both chambers of the General Assembly. The new law, which takes effect on July 1, 2026, adds detailed restrictions to the Virginia Consumer Protection Act and aims to eliminate certain substances […]
- Virginia House Passes Bill Establishing Honor Guard Grant Program for Veterans
Virginia lawmakers in the House of Delegates have passed a bill that creates state support for honor guard services at the funerals of veterans. House Bill 108, introduced by Delegate Jason Ballard, requires the Department of Veterans Services to establish the Honor Guard Grant Program. The program will offer grants to veteran service organizations to […]
- 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 Bill Seeks to Raise Penalties for Voluntary Manslaughter Convictions
The Virginia House of Delegates reviewed a piece of legislation during the 2026 regular session designed to alter the penalty for voluntary manslaughter. Known as House Bill 102, or HB102, the measure was introduced to amend and reenact section 18.2-35 of the Code of Virginia, specifically addressing the punishment for this particular criminal offense. As […]
- Virginia Governor Signs Bill Expanding Disabled Veterans Vehicle Registration Fee Exemption
Virginia has taken a significant step in supporting its disabled veterans by enacting legislation that expands access to vehicle registration fee exemptions. House Bill 94, part of the 2026 Regular Session, amends section 46.2-739 of the Code of Virginia to include vehicles with standard passenger license plates in the exemption previously reserved for special disabled […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia Budget Conceals Millions in Spending Under Generic Program Names
Virginia taxpayers are facing massive state expenditures hidden behind vaguely named programs that make financial oversight nearly impossible. The recent state budget allocates a staggering $72.5 million over the biennium for community violence intervention programs. Instead of providing clear line-item details, lawmakers are funneling millions into generic categories that obscure the true nature
- 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 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 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