Stella Pekarsky
- 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 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
- 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 marijuana budget language triggers legal confusion, political fallout
Virginia’s decision to revive legal cannabis sales through the state budget instead of standalone legislation has triggered several days of confusion over the commonwealth’s marijuana laws, with lawmakers, local prosecutors, Virginia State Police and legislative officials offering differing interpretations of when key provisions take effect. Much of the confusion focused on two issues: whether Vi
- Senator Bill DeSteph Discusses Policies for High-Paying Jobs in Virginia Hearing
Senator Bill DeSteph presented comments on attracting high-paying jobs to Virginia in a legislative committee hearing. His statements focused on the relationship between regulatory policies and economic development opportunities in the state. DeSteph raised questions about whether existing regulations are impacting the ability to secure major investments that create positions with salaries exceedi
- 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’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 […
- Hearing Examines Data Center Project Stability in Virginia
During a legislative hearing, Senator Bryce Reeves inquired about the status of significant data center projects planned for Virginia. He referenced information indicating that these developments could encounter obstacles without sustained support measures. The questions centered on elements that might determine whether the projects remain in the state. Reeves pointed to reports suggesting possibl
- 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, […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia Senate Examines Juvenile Abuse Cases and Interview Protocols
The Virginia Senate is conducting an examination of juvenile abuse cases throughout the state. This review focuses on the handling of disclosures made by children who have experienced abuse. The process involves assessing how initial responses influence subsequent outcomes for victims. Investigators play a key role in shaping the direction of these sensitive matters. Effective […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- Senator Advocates for Data Centers to Meet Tax Obligations in Virginia Budget Talks
Senator Louise Lucas addressed Virginia budget negotiations by stating that data centers must pay their fair share of taxes. She noted that the state will have a budget by June 30 and pointed to the need for businesses including data centers that employ workers to contribute through a tax on computer equipment. These remarks focus […]
- Virginia Lawmaker Senator Scott Surovell Questions Commercial Marijuana Impact on State Budget
Senator Scott Surovell posed questions in a recent legislative session regarding the possible influence of a commercial marijuana market on Virginia’s budget situation. He inquired specifically if such a market could resolve the state’s budget deficit. References were made to potential job creation surpassing 18,000 positions. The senator also sought clarification on plans involving federal […]
- Data Center Developments in Virginia Face Uncertainty from Tax Discussions
Data center projects in Virginia are encountering challenges linked to debates over taxation policies. Reports indicate that several major initiatives may be withdrawing, raising questions about future economic contributions estimated in the range of one hundred billion dollars. These developments involve key locations including Prince William County and the Emporia area. Legislative sessions in t
- Virginia Senator Richard Stuart Discusses Urban-Rural Policy Challenges
Senator Richard Stuart spoke before the Virginia legislature about distinctions between rural and urban areas in the state. He described how certain daily practices common in rural settings differ from those in cities, leading to potential misunderstandings in lawmaking. These observations focused on practical elements of life outside urban centers. The presentation highlighted examples such […]
- Legislative Remarks on Judicial Balance in Virginia
William Stanley spoke about the influence of politics on the scales of justice during a public address. He described situations in which fairness in legal matters may be affected by external pressures. The comments focused on the role of prosecutors and the need for greater accountability in the system. The remarks included references to Eastern […]
- Virginia Senator Ryan McDougle Discusses Concerns Over Ballot Language and Policy Costs
Senator Ryan McDougle delivered comments in the Virginia Senate regarding aspects of the legislative process that he characterized as involving trickery. His remarks centered on the use of ballot language that may not fully convey the details of measures to voters. The senator outlined how such language can affect public understanding during elections. Attention was […]
- Spanberger acts on immigration bills, seeks changes to ICE-related measures
Protesters hold signs outside Richmond City Hall in August during a rally against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detentions, calling for the city to bar local cooperation with federal immigration authorities. (Photo by Markus Schmidt/Virginia Mercury) Gov. Abigail Spanberger this week signed several immigration-related bills into law and proposed changes to others, clarifying how Virgin
- Democrat Congressional Candidates make their pitch for the successor to Gerry Connolly
Local Democrats who are seeking to replace the late Rep. Gerry Connolly yesterday (Wednesday) sought to differentiate themselves from a crowded race by outlining their plans to represent Virginia’s eleventh Congressional District if they were elected.
- AttainX to Expand Cybersecurity Operations in Fairfax County
Woman-owned technology contractor to invest $175,000, creating 32 new jobs RICHMOND, VA — Governor Glenn Youngkin today announced that AttainX, Inc., an SBA certified 8(a), Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Business (EDWOSB) and CMMI Level 3 certified federal contractor, will invest $175,000 to expand its operations in Fairfax County.
- General Assembly passes bill giving schools more say on classroom phone rules
Virginia school boards may soon have more control over how cell phones and smart devices are governed in classrooms.
- Democrat led Senate panel kills efforts to track English Learner funding
The Democrat led Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee has rejected a proposal to collect data on this issue.
- Virginia moves to enshrine baby killing into the constitution
Virginia Democrat lawmakers took a major step this week toward enshrining baby killing into the state constitution.
- Fairfax County convinces state legislators to delay FOIA Bill for further study
Fairfax County officials’ concerns convinced state legislators to examine more closely proposed changes to Virginia Freedom of Information Act rules that are intended to increase transparency in local government decision-making.
- Fairfax Casinos to be added to the list of eligible casinos in Virginia due to Democrat Leadership
After the House leadership moved a controversial bill for the development of a Casino and Entertainment Complex at Tysons Corner between House Committees, lawmakers made a decision on Wednesday.
- Virginia Democrats Shut Down after-school Counselors bill
A highly favored counselor bill from the Virginia Senate to make more volunteer after-school life counselors available died Tuesday in a 4-2 House subcommittee vote. Democrats on the House Education subcommittee expressed concern that the bill creates the potential for religious indoctrination and constitutional issues raised by the ACLU of Virginia. The subcommittee suggested Sen. […]
- Fairfax County Casino Bill to be heard by The House Appropriations Committee
The powerful House Committee on Appropriations has taken up the discussion of legislation allowing a vote on a Tysons Casino. Speaker Don Scott (D-88) directed House Committee on Local Government members yesterday afternoon (Tuesday), to forward the bill without action to the chamber’s Appropriations Committee. At that meeting there was no public testimony on the […]
- Virginia Democrats set to increase towing charges
Virginia towing rates could increase soon under legislation that is advancing to the governor’s desk. However, the decision on whether to raise the fees will be left to local governments.
- Senate Democrats reject qualified university and state board members
RICHMOND, VA – Governor Glenn Youngkin today released the following statement after House and Senate Democrats rejected 13 qualified university and state board members.
- Virginia Democrat lawmakers aim to reform discipline
Democrat Lawmakers are pushing for a groundbreaking pilot program at eight Virginia schools to transform school discipline by replacing punishment-first approaches with restorative practices aimed at racial disparities and supporting students.
- Virginia Democrat Stella Pekarsky would ban homeschooling unless parents prove it’s for religious reasons
This month, Virginia State Sen. Stella Pekarsky, D-Fairfax, introduced a bill to the Virginia Senate to restrict families’ access to homeschool options.