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A proposed constitutional amendment protecting marriage equality advanced with bipartisan support as the Virginia General Assembly’s 2025 session began its first full week amid snow and a rush of legislation.
The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee reported SJ 249 out of committee. Two other measures also advanced from the Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology: SB 1042, intended to ease the path to becoming a Certified Public Accountant, and SB 1043, requiring landlords to provide 60 days’ notice when they do not plan to renew a tenant’s lease.
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee recommended passage of SB 880, which would prohibit carrying assault weapons in public, and SB 881, which would impose restrictions on ghost guns.
Bills span employment, technology and public health
Committees considered several additional measures on Jan. 20. SB 1053 would address fraud involving deepfakes, while SB 1060 would allow authorities to confiscate tobacco and vaping products possessed by minors.
The Commerce and Labor Committee considered SB 1056, which would increase the maximum weekly unemployment benefit, and SB 1057, which would raise the amount that people may earn from part-time work while receiving unemployment compensation.
The Gaming Subcommittee reviewed SB 1280, a proposal requiring problem-gambling helpline information to be displayed at gambling locations.
The broader legislative agenda also includes SB 1052, which would amend the Virginia Human Rights Act to apply employment discrimination protections to companies regardless of size. SB 879 would help tradespeople qualify for Career and Technical Education teaching licenses, while SB 1054 would direct the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority to draft regulations for retail cannabis sales.
Other proposals would ban privately operated state prisons, require data center operators to disclose more information during siting applications and make it easier for schools to supply solar power to the electric grid. SB 877 focuses on post-release job-placement services for returning citizens, and SB 1051 would allow annual inspections of animal boarding facilities.
Additional efforts seek greater transparency around deepfakes and other technology, along with stronger penalties for drivers who strike vulnerable road users in crosswalks.
Constituent groups visit Richmond
Meetings during the week included a discussion with Virginia community health leaders, including Neighborhood Health Services leader Dr. Basim Khan, about maintaining health care access in medically underserved communities.
Virginia’s health centers served more than 400,000 patients in 2023, providing comprehensive primary care to about one in every 21 state residents.
Local activists from Students Demand Action and Moms Demand Action visited during their lobby day to discuss gun violence. Meetings were also held with the American Association of University Women of Virginia on gender equity and with the Virginia Society of Public Accountants during its CPA Assembly Day.
The legislative work is being supported by two staff members and three interns from Virginia Commonwealth University and the University of Richmond.
Alexandria town hall scheduled
A town hall was scheduled for 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 25, at the Minnie Howard Campus of Alexandria City High School, 3775 W. Braddock Road in Alexandria. Delegates Bennett-Parker, Herring and Lopez were also expected to attend.