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Virginia lawmakers are heading into the General Assembly session with plans to revisit vetoed legislation, advance four constitutional amendments and tackle issues ranging from housing to artificial intelligence. But a difficult budget outlook could prevent many proposals from moving forward.
Del. Marcus Simon, who represents the 13th District, previewed the session during a Road to Richmond lunch at the Northern Virginia Association of Realtors’ offices on Wednesday, Jan. 7. Sen. Saddam Salim of the 37th District held a Richmond Sendoff at Clare and Don’s on Saturday, Jan. 10.
Simon said Democrats’ 64-seat majority in the 100-member House of Delegates does not necessarily make that chamber more progressive than the Senate. Many Democratic gains came from Republican-held seats in politically divided districts, he noted.
He also warned about Virginia’s economic position. According to Simon, Moody’s has characterized the state as being “on the verge of recession” amid continued unemployment among federal workers and slowing growth. Virginia’s national growth ranking has fallen from sixth to 34th, he said.
Lawmakers must also account for major reductions in SNAP and Medicaid funding as they write the state budget.
Amendments and vetoed bills return
Four proposed constitutional amendments are expected to receive their required second legislative approval during the session’s first week. They concern reproductive rights, voting rights, marriage equality and permission for the legislature to conduct mid-decade redistricting if other states do the same.
If approved again, the amendments would go before Virginia voters, either through a special referendum in mid-April or on the November general election ballot.
Lawmakers are also expected to revive measures vetoed by Gov. Glenn Youngkin during his four-year term. Among the proposals Simon highlighted were an assault-weapons ban, his legislation targeting ghost guns, requirements for securely storing firearms in vehicles and restrictions on possessing guns in mental hospitals.
Democratic priorities also include raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour and requiring paid sick leave. Another likely initiative is establishing a retail market for adult-use marijuana, several years after Virginia legalized cannabis possession and use.
Housing legislation is expected to include additional renter protections and measures intended to expand affordable housing. One proposal would extend the five-day notice period for eviction over late rent to two weeks, giving tenants more time to receive another paycheck before proceedings begin.
Gambling and Simon’s legislation
The legislature will again debate gambling policy, including whether to permit a casino in Fairfax. Simon and Salim both reiterated their opposition to such a project.
Other proposals would create a Gaming Commission to oversee the various forms of legal gambling in Virginia. Simon also said he is carrying legislation to regulate and tax online gaming platforms such as Chumba Casino.
His other bills would require settlement agents who find discriminatory restrictive covenants in property records to tell purchasers they have the right to remove them.
Simon also plans to propose a legal framework for class-action lawsuits. Virginia is one of two states that do not allow such cases.
Another measure would eliminate the common-law crime of suicide. Although the offense is not enforceable, Simon said it can affect military spouse benefits and stigmatize surviving loved ones.
His higher-education proposal would require universities to establish and publish policies providing religious accommodations for assignment and exam scheduling as well as attendance.
Salim targets immigration, AI and housing rules
Salim offered a similar legislative outlook while highlighting several immigrant-rights proposals expected in the Senate.
One measure would prohibit local governments from entering agreements under Section 287(g), which allows Immigration and Customs Enforcement to delegate certain immigration-enforcement duties to local agencies.
Another bill would protect people visiting courthouses for legal proceedings, including those appearing as witnesses or paying fees. A separate proposal would prevent law-enforcement officers, including ICE agents, from covering their faces while performing their duties.
Salim said he is carrying legislation requiring disclosures at cryptocurrency kiosks to protect consumers from financial scams. He also plans stronger workplace protections for gig-economy transportation workers, including Uber and Lyft drivers, aimed at ensuring fair pay and access to basic benefits.
Several of his proposals address artificial intelligence. Political campaigns would have to disclose the use of AI-generated video, while other measures would require notice when AI replaces a human decision-maker in healthcare, on state websites or in rental-pricing systems.
Salim is also pursuing changes to development rules. One bill would stop localities from requiring a minimum number of parking spaces in new buildings. Another would end single-family-only zoning near transportation hubs such as Metro stations.
Despite the extensive agenda, Salim cautioned that Virginia faces a precarious budget environment as the state attempts to replace federal funding and absorb expenses shifted from the federal government. Many proposals could quietly stall in the Appropriations process because the state cannot afford them, he said.