Tag: General Assembly
Del. Bulova to serve in Spanberger’s cabinet
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger has tapped David Bulova of Fairfax as Virginia’s next secretary of natural and historic resources. Bulova has resigned from his position as the 11th District representative in the Virginia House of Delegates. A special election for the seat vacated by Bulova will take place on Jan. 13. The Democrats’ House of … Continued
Board outlines concerns with a casino bill
The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a letter drafted by Board Chair Jeffrey McKay outlining a strategy for addressing state legislation that would authorize a referendum on a casino in Tysons. The board then narrowly passed an amendment to the board’s legislative proposals offered by Superintendent Walter Alcorn (Hunter Mill), stating that the board formally … Continued
Cannabis retail market could open next year
A cannabis retail market in Virginia is a little closer to reality. At a Dec. 2 hearing convened by the Joint Commission to Oversee the Transition of the Commonwealth into a Cannabis Retail Market, members of the General Assembly reviewed the latest changes to legislation that has been under consideration for years. The General Assembly … Continued
Del. Watts outlines legislative priorities
The huge electoral win by Virginia Democrats earlier this year offers a big opportunity to get their legislative priorities enacted by the General Assembly. However, the continuing cuts in federal funding will pose a huge challenge to the state budget. A Democratic agenda The Democratic victory “gives us the flexibility to really have a dialogue … Continued
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