Virginia Senate
- 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 […]
- 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 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 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
- Virginia Localities Absorb $6.6 Million Share of Voided Election Costs by Democrats
The Virginia Department of Elections reported that the April 21 special election on a proposed constitutional amendment for redistricting cost $11,636,147 before the state Supreme Court ruled it unconstitutional. The state will cover nearly $5 million of that total while localities pay the balance of about $6.6 million. Many local governments had budgeted for a […]
- 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 Massive Surplus Exposes Over-Taxation as State Hoards Millions in Reserves
On July 15, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger announced a plan to roll $585.5 million from a massive state surplus into the Fiscal Year 2027 starting balances. Virginia closed out Fiscal Year 2026 with a staggering $936.3 million general fund surplus, driven by relentless revenue collections from citizens across the commonwealth. While the administration attempts to […]
- 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 […]
- SCC considers making data centers shoulder more of the cost of transmission lines
Transmission lines for a data center in Prince William County, VA. (Photo by Shannon Heckt/Virginia Mercury) Consumer advocates have joined Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s administration to argue that high-load customers like data centers should pay for the high-voltage lines that solely serve them, a stance now playing out as part of Dominion Energy’s case with state […]
- 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 […]
- Virginia Enacts New Requirements for Timely School Board Employee Grievance Resolutions
Virginia has taken a significant step toward improving the management of employment relations in its public schools with the enactment of new legislation governing grievance procedures. House Bill 116, which addresses the timing of dispute resolution in school board employee grievance processes, was signed into law on April 6, 2026. The law will become effective […]
- Taxpayers on the Hook for Massive $115.3 Million James Madison University Expansion
Virginia taxpayers are facing a massive financial burden as the upcoming FY2027 state budget includes a staggering $115.3 million allocation for a single building expansion at James Madison University. This nine-figure appropriation from the General Fund is earmarked for the College of Health and Behavioral Studies, representing a significant capital expenditure during a time of […]
- 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 […]
- 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 Advances Firearm Transfer Rules in 2026 Legislation Amid Opposition
In the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly, House Bill 93 emerged as a key piece of legislation concerning the handling of firearms by individuals subject to protective orders or convicted of certain domestic offenses. The measure modifies sections 18.2-308.1:4 and 18.2-308.1:8 of the Code of Virginia to establish stricter protocols for firearm possession […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- Jason Miyares Address Marijuana Framework in State Budget
Attorney General Jason Miyares released a statement regarding Governor Abigail Spanberger and efforts surrounding marijuana commercialization in Virginia. Miyares recalled his earlier warning that a rushed approach to such policies could lead to problematic governance outcomes. Recent developments in the state budget process brought those concerns to the forefront. The statement pointed to the inc
- Virginia Senate Race Features Republican David Williams Challenging Incumbent Mark Warner
David Williams, a Republican, is seeking the party’s nomination for U.S. Senate in Virginia ahead of the 2026 elections. His campaign focuses on opposing the reelection of incumbent Senator Mark Warner. Williams has been active in connecting with voters through various events and online platforms. The Republican primary is scheduled for August 4, 2026, with […]
- 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 […]
- 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, […]
- Study Examines Radiation Absorption Differences Between Children and Adults Near Cell Towers
Theodora Scarato has drawn attention to research indicating that children absorb more radiation from cell towers than adults. The difference stems from thinner skulls and developing brains that allow greater penetration of radiofrequency signals. A 2023 study by Lee and Choi analyzed downlink electromagnetic field exposure in mobile communication networks. The work included computer simulations […
- Understanding Unclaimed Property and Its Various Forms
Unclaimed property consists of assets such as utility deposits and payroll or commission checks that remain inactive. Stocks mutual funds and dividends can also become unclaimed when owners do not claim them. Inactive bank accounts and customer deposits add to the list of potential holdings. Refund checks and insurance proceeds represent further examples of items […]
- 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 […]
- Observation at State Fair Notes Virginia Booth Status
During the America 250 Great American State Fair, an event marking the nation’s quarter-millennium anniversary, one state’s exhibit drew attention for its closed appearance. Virginia’s booth remained locked and without staff present, unlike those of other participating states that operated with open access. This detail emerged from direct observations shared widely online and in media […]
- 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 […]
- Senator Scott Surovell calls out Governor Spanberger for allegedly bypassing the law
During a legislative session Senator Scott Surovell raised points about revenue forecasting procedures. He referenced a veto that had already taken place on a related bill. Surovell discussed a press release concerning the committee on revenue estimates. The board’s role on that committee was noted in his comments. He inquired about the possibility of independent […]
- 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 […]
- 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 […]
- 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, […]
- 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 Resident Raises Concerns Over Rental Pricing Practices
A Virginia resident provided input during a legislative session regarding experiences with rent determination methods employed by corporate landlords in the state. The presentation detailed how certain pricing mechanisms lead to increases at specific times along with supplementary costs outlined in agreements. The individual recounted efforts to address these elements through direct engagement wit
- 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.
- 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 […]