Tag: General Assembly
Virginia lawmakers respond to Trump’s plans to cut the federal workforce
Virginia House of Delegates Speaker Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) has formed a bipartisan Emergency Committee on Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions in response to President Trump’s attacks on the federal government. “This committee will work to understand the potential impacts on Virginians and find solutions that protect our communities,” Scott posted on X on Feb. 5. … Continued
Virginia Senate passes casino bill
The Virginia Senate on Feb. 4 passed legislation to permit Fairfax County to hold a referendum on a casino in Tysons. Senate Bill 982, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (Mount Vernon) cleared the Senate on a 24-16 vote. It now goes to the House of Delegates. Several Northern Virginia lawmakers voted against the … Continued
McKay letter addresses casino bill
Fairfax County Board of Supervisors Chair Jeffrey McKay sent a letter to Virginia General Assembly leaders Jan. 27 outlining his perspective on legislation that would authorize a casino in Tysons. Senate Bill 982, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-Mount Vernon), would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on whether a casino should … Continued
New state laws take effect July 1
Most of the new laws passed by the Virginia General Assembly this year will take effect on Monday, July 1.
General Assembly clears dozens of bills before crossover
As the Virginia General Assembly reached its halfway point this week, dozens of bills – on reproductive rights, firearms, marijuana, and much more – have passed at least one house. Legislation passed by either the Senate or House of Delegates must be approved by the other house by the March 9 deadline – otherwise they … Continued
Casino bill off the table – at least for this year
The Virginia Senate Finance Committee voted on Feb. 6 to carry over for the next year a bill that would have allowed the development of a casino in Tysons. That means the General Assembly won’t act on the legislation at least until 2025. That will provide more time for research on the impact of a … Continued
House passes assault weapons ban
The Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill banning the purchase, sale, and transfer of assault firearms and certain ammunition-feeding devices. The legislation, HB 2, was introduced by Del. Dan Helmer (D-Clifton). Violation would be a Class 1 misdemeanor. Among other legislation related to firearms, the House passed a bill (HB 22) that bans … Continued
Bill to allow casino in Tysons on hold
Legislation under consideration in the General Assembly to allow a casino in Tysons is likely to be put on hold until next year. The Resources Subcommittee of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee on Feb. 1 recommended that Senate Bill 675 be continued to 2025. “However, the bill is not finished,” said Sen. Jennifer … Continued
Marijuana bill advances in the General Assembly
Legislation to allow retail sales of marijuana is advancing in the Virginia General Assembly. The Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services voted Jan. 26 to approve a bill to establish a framework for creating a retail marijuana market. The bill (SB 448), proposed by Sen. Aaron Rouse (D) of Virginia Beach, would allow the … Continued
Bill to allow casino in Tysons advances in the state Senate
Community groups in Fairfax County are mobilizing against state legislation that would open the door to a possible resort-style casino in Tysons. The Senate Finance Committee approved a bill (SB 675) proposed by Sen. Dave Marsden, who represents the Annandale area, that would allow Fairfax County to hold a referendum on building a casino in … Continued
Democrats win big on Election Day
It was a big victory for Fairfax County Democrats last night, as they retained nine of the 10 seats on the Board of Supervisors and all 12 seats on the School Board. Democrats also chalked up big wins on the state level, securing a majority in the House of Delegates and retaining their edge in … Continued
New Virginia laws took effect July 1
The following laws passed by the General Assembly this year took effect July 1 unless otherwise stated. For more information about these and other bills enacted in 2023, visit the Virginia Division of Legislative Services. Criminal offenses House Bill 1682, Senate Bill 1188 – A mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl is … Continued
Viewpoint: Questions surface on Heidi Drauschak’s voting record
By George Waters There are discrepancies about when and where Heidi Drauschak, a candidate for Virginia Senate District 35, has voted in the past few years. Drauschak is challenging Sen. Dave Marsden in the Democratic Primary on June 20. In May, Marsden put out a mailer based on records he had received from both … Continued
Several Annandale precincts move into Del. Watts’ district
Del. Vivian Watts, a member of the General Assembly since 1998, has a whole lot of new constituents in the Annandale area. In the latest redistricting that took effect in 2022, her district now includes more precincts in the Annandale area and fewer in Springfield. The Bedford, Bristow, Brook Hill, Columbia, Heritage, Hummer, Lincolnia, Masonville, … Continued
Pro-Youngkin candidate wants to represent Annandale in the VA Senate
Mark Vafiades says he’s running for the Virginia Senate because he wants to promote Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s agenda. Vafiades is running for Senate District 35 in the November election. The 35th district includes most of Annandale and large parts of Springfield and Fairfax. The incumbent, Sen. Dave Marsden, was first elected in 2009. Heidi … Continued