Tag: General Assembly
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
If Kory runs for re-election, she will face Simon in the Democratic Primary
Del. Marcus Simon could face Del. Kaye Kory in the June 20 Democratic Primary, although Kory hasn’t announced whether she will seek re-election. Due to redistricting measures approved in 2021, Simon and Kory are now in the same district. A new district The newly created 13th District encompasses the City of Falls Church, which Simon … Continued
Del. Watts to focus on climate and taxes
Longtime House of Delegates member Vivian Watts (D) is reaching out to new constituents. Due to redistricting, three Annandale area precincts – St. Albans, Masonville, and Woodburn – have been transferred from Del. Kaye Kory’s district to the newly named 14th District represented by Watts. Since she was first elected to the General Assembly in … Continued
VA Senate candidate Heidi Drauschak focuses on campaign finance reform
Heidi Drauschak, a candidate for the Virginia Senate in the 35th District, is focusing on the need for campaign finance reform. She will be on the ballot in the Democratic Primary on June 20. The redrawn 35th District encompasses Annandale, Springfield, West Springfield, and adjacent areas. Due to redistricting, the 35th District incorporates areas currently … Continued
Annandale/Mason residents affected by redistricting
The Virginia Supreme Court [Roanoke Times] Under a redistricting plan approved by the Virginia Supreme Court, some residents of the Annandale/Mason area will be shifted to a different congressional, Virginia House of Delegates, and/or Virginia Senate district. Here are some of the key changes: Several communities currently in the 11th U.S. Congressional District (represented by … Continued