All articles tagged with #virginia general assembly
Virginia lawmakers passed a bill barring schools from teaching that the Jan. 6 riot was peaceful or that there was widespread fraud in the 2020 election, the first Democratic-led state to try to shape how such events are taught in schools.
A circuit court judge in rural Tazewell County ruled that the Virginia Democrats' process to propose a constitutional amendment for redistricting is invalid, a setback in their bid to gain more blue-leaning seats; Democrats said they will appeal.
Don Scott, a Navy veteran and lawyer, has been unanimously elected as the first Black speaker in the 400-year history of the Virginia House of Delegates. His unconventional path to the statehouse, including a past conviction and subsequent successful legal career, has shaped his platform of criminal justice reform. Scott's rise to leadership reflects a historic moment for Virginia and is seen as a continuation of the legacy of Black legislators and the enslaved Virginians who built the state Capitol.
The 2024 Virginia General Assembly session is set to begin, with key issues including the state budget, gun control, school funding, marijuana legalization, abortion rights, and same-sex marriage. Other topics to watch include the potential relocation of pro sports teams, minimum wage legislation, regulation of data centers, voting rights reform, appointments to the State Corporation Commission, mental health reforms, and the establishment of a Prescription Drug Affordability Board.
Del. Bill Wiley, a Republican representative from Frederick County, discussed the upcoming Virginia General Assembly session and his legislative priorities during a luncheon. Despite Democrats winning control of the General Assembly, Wiley emphasized the need for bipartisan cooperation due to the tight margins in both the state Senate and House of Delegates. He highlighted the importance of focusing on the economy, workforce development, and supporting small businesses. Wiley also mentioned his plans to introduce legislation aimed at increasing safety among duck hunters and securing funding for Interstate 81 improvements.