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Fairfax County lawmakers are heading into Virginia’s delayed 2025 legislative session with proposals that could reshape abortion protections, marriage rights, gun laws and election procedures across the commonwealth.

The General Assembly was scheduled to convene Jan. 8, but water service problems in Richmond following the Jan. 6 snowstorm pushed the opening to Jan. 13. The session is set to run through Feb. 22.

Reproductive and marriage rights

Sen. Jennifer Boysko, a Democrat representing parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties, is leading Senate Bill 247, a proposed constitutional amendment that would establish reproductive freedom as a fundamental right.

Virginia currently allows abortions during the first and second trimesters, while third-trimester procedures require approval from three doctors. Boysko’s measure would reduce that requirement to one doctor and prevent the state from prosecuting or penalizing people who obtain or assist with abortions.

The proposal comes after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, prompting many states—including most in the South—to restrict abortion access.

Sen. Adam Ebbin, a Springfield-area Democrat, is sponsoring another constitutional amendment that would remove Virginia’s ban on same-sex marriage.

Although the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated such bans in 2015, Virginia’s Constitution still contains language adopted in 2006 defining marriage as a union between one man and one woman. It also prohibits legal arrangements for unmarried people that resemble marriage.

Ebbin’s amendment would replace those provisions with language recognizing marriage as a fundamental right. Virginia would also be prohibited from denying a marriage license or refusing to recognize a marriage based on sex, gender or race.

Both constitutional amendments must pass the General Assembly in two consecutive sessions before they can be placed before voters in a statewide referendum. They need simple majorities in both chambers but do not require the governor’s signature.

Democrats entered the session with narrow control after Kannan Srinivasan won the 32nd Senate District and JJ Singh captured the 26th House District. The party holds a 51-49 House majority and a 21-19 advantage in the Senate.

Gun restrictions take aim at several fronts

Ebbin is also sponsoring two measures that would tighten Virginia’s firearm laws.

Senate Bill 881 would prohibit unserialized firearms commonly known as ghost guns. Often assembled from kits or produced with 3D-printed components, the weapons can be difficult for law enforcement to trace. Manufacturing, selling or possessing them would become a Class 5 felony.

His Senate Bill 880 would expand statewide the restrictions on carrying assault-style weapons in public. Existing law permits some local governments to regulate firearms in public spaces, but Ebbin’s proposal would create broader rules covering locations such as protests, public events and government buildings.

Del. Dan Helmer, a Democrat representing the 10th District, is carrying House Bill 1607, which would ban the sale or transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines and establish penalties for violations.

Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim, a Democrat from the 31st District, has proposed a mandatory five-day waiting period for all firearm purchases under Senate Bill 891. Supporters contend that a waiting period could help prevent impulsive violence, including suicide and crimes of passion.

Artificial intelligence and voting reforms

Election-related legislation from Fairfax representatives would address artificial intelligence in campaigns, ranked-choice voting and primary schedules.

Sen. Scott Surovell, a Democrat representing the 34th District, introduced Senate Bill 775 to require disclaimers on political campaign materials containing AI-generated text, images or audio, including deepfakes.

Failing to label such content would be a misdemeanor. Stronger penalties could apply when material is deliberately used to mislead voters within 90 days of an election and without the knowledge of the candidate depicted.

Salim’s Senate Bill 1009 would let localities use ranked-choice voting in local elections. Arlington County has already adopted the system, while Fairfax and Falls Church have considered it. The legislation also calls for voter education and changes to recount procedures.

Helmer’s House Bill 1794 would consolidate primary election dates in presidential election years, with the goal of simplifying administration and reducing confusion among voters.

Housing, health and education

Other proposals from Fairfax lawmakers cover rental agreements, affordable housing, prescription drugs and classroom cellphone use.

Del. David Bulova’s House Bill 1701 would extend the Virginia Housing Opportunity Tax Credit through 2030 and increase funding available for affordable housing projects.

House Bill 2430 from Del. Marcus Simon would require landlords to put all charges—including rent and security deposits—on the first page of a rental agreement. It would also prohibit fees that are not expressly listed in the lease.

Del. Kathy Tran’s House Bill 2218 would require landlords to accept rent through any lawful payment method and issue written receipts for cash payments. The measure would also ban processing fees.

A proposal identified as Senate Bill 1724 from Del. Karrie Delaney would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board with authority to review and cap the prices of expensive medications.

Sen. Stella Pekarsky’s Senate Bill 738 would direct local school boards to create policies limiting students’ cellphone use during class.

Street takeovers, cameras and jail oversight

Bulova’s House Bill 2036, a priority for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, would broaden Virginia’s reckless-driving definition to cover street takeovers and exhibition driving that block traffic or endanger pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers, passengers and spectators could face penalties.

House Bill 2041 from Del. Holly Seibold would allow wider use of speed-enforcement cameras in school zones and other high-risk locations.

Del. Rozia Henson’s House Bill 2467 would increase oversight of local and regional jails by expanding membership on the relevant state board and strengthening requirements for reporting serious incidents and inspecting facilities.