This bill will be voted on in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, TODAY, 1/21 at 9AM in Senate Room A, Room 305, of the General Assembly Building.
SUPPORT
SUPPORT: SB1085 – Education Choice Tax Credits
Creates two refundable tax credits empowering parental education choice: Up to $5,000 for homeschool/private school expenses and up to $1,500 for public school expenses. Lower-income families get additional $2,500 credit. Program capped at $25M annually with automatic 10% increase if 90% used. Supports family freedom in education decisions while reducing their tax burden.
Status: This bill passed the Senate Public Education Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the full Senate Health and Education Committee.
OPPOSE:SB1031 – Religious Exemption for Education Requirements
Attacks the homeschooling religious exemption process by requiring parents to meet educational qualifications, submit annual notices and progress reports, and demonstrate certain instruction methods.
Status: This bill passed the Senate Public Education Subcommittee. It will now be sent to the full Senate Health and Education Committee.
OPPOSE: SB979 – Delayed implementation of new Public School Accountability System
This bill directs the Department of Education to delay for one year the implementation of the revised public school accountability system adopted recently by the State Board of Education after robust research and discussion.
Status: This bill was killed in the Senate Public Education Subcommittee through the motion to pass by indefinitely.
SUPPORT:SB1346 – Virginia Opportunity Scholarships
The Virginia Opportunity Scholarship program is designed to give students greater access to learning opportunities that best meet their needs. 10,000 eligible K-12 students can receive $5,000 per academic year. This program is for Virginia students whose household income does not exceed $81,120 for a family of four. This scholarship puts money directly into families’ hands for expenses of attending an accredited private school in Virginia including, tuition, transportation, books, and other qualified educational expenses— such as summer school programs— so families can access the opportunities that work best for their child.
The following bills will be voted on in the Senate Privileges and Election Committee TODAY, 1/21, 15 minutes after the adjournment of the Senate floor in Senate Room B.
OPPOSE
OPPOSE: SB1009 – Ranked Choice Voting Expansion for Localities
Expands ranked choice voting options for all local offices, despite this method of voting being riddled with problems that disenfranchise voters. Currently, any Virginia locality is allowed to use Ranked Choice Voting for City Council and Board of Supervisor elections, but not any other election; we oppose expansion in any form. This bill also requires localities to receive state approval on feasibility before implementation.
Changes deadline from noon to 5:00 PM on the third day after Election Day for receiving absentee ballots and for a voter to provide missing information needed to accompany a provisional ballot (like an ID). This change would unnecessarily delay election results, decreasing voter confidence.
Requires certain list maintenance programs that remove ineligible voters to be completed 90 days before any primary or general election, extending the current requirement that certain list maintenance programs (like address updates at large scale) cannot be completed within 90 days before a general election. Because Virginia has frequent elections, this bill proposes changes that would impede voter list accuracy.
This bill proposes reducing the early absentee voting period in Virginia from 45 days to 14 days before an election. The change ensures that absentee voting remains available but within a more focused timeframe. It also reduces the administrative burden on local election offices, fostering efficient use of resources without compromising access.
Requires voters to present photo identification to vote, eliminating the option to use non-photo documents like utility bills or bank statements. Maintains existing security protocols while ensuring all voters have access to required identification.
SUPPORT: SB1073 – Social Security Number Verification Process
Requires registrars to verify voter registration information against Social Security Administration records before registering voters. Those with mismatched information get provisional registration status until they provide photo ID or correct information. Takes effect July 1, 2027.
Reduces early voting period from 45 to 14 days before any election while maintaining existing hours through the Saturday before Election Day. Preserves current ID requirements and security measures for in-person absentee voting.
SUPPORT: SB1070 – Voter Identification Containing a Photograph Required
This bill requires Virginia voters to show photo ID to vote, eliminating the use of non-photo IDs like utility bills or signed identity statements. Valid forms include government-issued photo IDs, student photo IDs from Virginia schools, or employee IDs. The Department of Elections will provide free voter photo ID cards to those who need them, ensuring election integrity while maintaining ballot access.
SUPPORT: SB1044 – Election Results Reporting for Absentee and Provisional Ballots
This bill enhances election transparency by requiring new detailed reporting of absentee and provisional ballot results. General registrars must separately report early in-person voting results from other absentee ballots and Election Day voting. Results must be posted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the tenth day after election day, ensuring timely and transparent reporting of all ballot types.
Changes voter registration deadlines from 21 to 10 days before all elections, including primary, general, and special elections. Currently, an individual who registers to vote within the three weeks prior to an election is provided with a provisional ballot. This bill proposes to limit that to only ten days prior to an election instead of three weeks.
Status: This bill passed the House Election Administration Subcommittee and will now be sent to the full House Privileges and Elections Committee which meets on Friday morning.
SUPPORT: HB1952 – Voter List Price Transparency
Requires the Department of Elections to publicly post costs for purchasing voter registration lists and voting history lists on its website. Maintains existing privacy protections and authorized uses while increasing transparency about fees charged to campaigns, parties, and other authorized recipients.
Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee.
SUPPORT: HB2395 – Voter Registration List Exchange
Requires the Department of Elections to post to its official Internet website a list of states with which it has an agreement to exchange data for voter registration list maintenance purposes.
This bill requires mailed absentee ballots to be printed on security paper with a visible watermark. The legislation aims to improve the security of absentee ballots, providing an additional layer of protection against potential fraud while preserving ballot access.
Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee through the motion to lay the bill on the table.
SUPPORT: HB2357 – Jury Duty Data for Registered Voter List Maintenance
This bill enhances voter roll accuracy by creating additional mechanisms for identifying and removing ineligible voters from registration lists. The legislation requires jury commissioners to collect information about individuals who are ineligible to vote and transmit this data to general registrars, providing a more comprehensive approach to maintaining up-to-date and accurate voter registration records. (Identical to HB2388)
Status: This bill was stricken from the docket of the House Election Administration Subcommittee and did not receive a vote.
SUPPORT: HB2388 – Jury Duty Data for Registered Voter List Maintenance
This bill enhances voter roll accuracy by creating additional mechanisms for identifying and removing ineligible voters from registration lists. The legislation requires jury commissioners to collect information about individuals who are ineligible to vote and transmit this data to general registrars, providing a more comprehensive approach to maintaining up-to-date and accurate voter registration records. (Identical to HB2357)
Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee through the motion to lay the bill on the table.
SUPPORT: HB2390 – Reducing Early Voting and Eliminating the Affirmation Statement
This bill proposes reducing the early absentee voting period in Virginia from 45 days to 10 days before an election. The legislation also removes the option to cast a vote without showing one of the approved forms of voter identification and instead signing a statement affirming your identity.
Changes voter registration deadlines from 21 to 10 days before all elections, including primary, general, and special elections. Currently, an individual who registers to vote within the three weeks prior to an election is provided with a provisional ballot. This bill proposes to limit that to only ten days prior to an election instead of three weeks.
Requires the Department of Elections to publicly post costs for purchasing voter registration lists and voting history lists on its website. Maintains existing privacy protections and authorized uses while increasing transparency about fees charged to campaigns, parties, and other authorized recipients.
SUPPORT: HB2395 – Voter Registration List Exchange
Requires the Department of Elections to post to its official Internet website a list of states with which it has an agreement to exchange data for voter registration list maintenance purposes.
This bill requires mailed absentee ballots to be printed on security paper with a visible watermark. The legislation aims to improve the security of absentee ballots, providing an additional layer of protection against potential fraud while preserving ballot access.
SUPPORT: HB2357 – Jury Duty Data for Registered Voter List Maintenance
This bill enhances voter roll accuracy by creating additional mechanisms for identifying and removing ineligible voters from registration lists. The legislation requires jury commissioners to collect information about individuals who are ineligible to vote and transmit this data to general registrars, providing a more comprehensive approach to maintaining up-to-date and accurate voter registration records. (Identical to HB2388)
SUPPORT: HB2388 – Jury Duty Data for Registered Voter List Maintenance
This bill enhances voter roll accuracy by creating additional mechanisms for identifying and removing ineligible voters from registration lists. The legislation requires jury commissioners to collect information about individuals who are ineligible to vote and transmit this data to general registrars, providing a more comprehensive approach to maintaining up-to-date and accurate voter registration records. (Identical to HB2357)
SUPPORT: HB2390 – Reducing Early Voting and Eliminating the Affirmation Statement
This bill proposes reducing the early absentee voting period in Virginia from 45 days to 10 days before an election. The legislation also removes the option to cast a vote without showing one of the approved forms of voter identification and instead signing a statement affirming your identity.To see bill text and info: Click HERE
Please contact these Delegates and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2337 and VOTE YES on HB1952, HB2395, HB1566, HB2357, HB2388 and HB2390
Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition Celebrates Governor Youngkin’s Decisive Leadership for the Commonwealth
RICHMOND, VA – Amidst a challenging budgetary landscape, the Virginia Conservative Leaders Coalition commends Governor Glenn Youngkin for his thoughtful navigation of Virginia’s fiscal priorities during the 2024 session of Virginia’s General Assembly. Governor Youngkin’s “Common Ground Budget” exemplifies his leadership in bridging divides. This budget offers significant concessions to avoid drastic tax increases while incorporating spending priorities important to both parties. These include increased state aid for schools and raises for Virginia’s public school teachers and state employees.
While the new spending exceeds what many conservatives would prefer, Governor Youngkin’s efforts reflect a commitment to pragmatic governance in a divided political environment. His approach has ensured that while taxes will not decrease, they will also not increase, effectively stalling the proposed digital sales tax, the B2B tax, and a return to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative’s carbon tax.
In addition to fiscal management, Governor Youngkin demonstrated resolute leadership by vetoing a record number of 153 bills this session, underscoring his dedication to the well-being and prosperity of the Commonwealth. These vetoes addressed a wide range of issues, such as a new unconstitutional ban on assault rifles and legal restrictions on gun storage, the poorly conceived Prescription Drug Affordability Board that would have been anything but affordable, increases to the minimum wage and employer/employee-subsidized benefit mandates, ranked-choice voting, and much more.
“Governor Youngkin’s careful consideration and action on key legislation conveys his dedication to safeguarding Virginia’s future and preserving our shared values,” remarked Lynn Taylor of Virginia Institute Action. “His veto decisions send a clear message: he understands the intricacies of the Commonwealth’s challenges and is committed to finding solutions that prioritize economic prosperity and individual liberties for all Virginians.”
This success is a shared triumph, bolstered by the efforts of coalition partners, including The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute for Public Policy, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and the Virginia Tea Party. Together, we have demonstrated the power of unity and the impact of strategic collaboration.
“As we celebrate this victory, we are reminded of the continuous need for vigilance and proactive engagement in the legislative process,” said Taylor. “We remain committed to leading the way in strategic policy advocacy, ensuring that our collective voices are heard and our policy goals are achieved.”
Governor Youngkin’s dedication to serving the people of Virginia is commendable, and the Virginia Institute looks forward to continued collaboration with him and our coalition partners in advancing the enduring values that define our beloved Commonwealth.
The Virginia Conservative Leadership Coalition is made up of Virginia-based organizations dedicated to public policy that support and advocate for the fundamental precepts of a free, civil society: individual freedom, economic opportunity, traditional family values and strong stances on the inherent safeguards needed for a constitutional democracy. The coalition is composed of the Virginia Institute for Public Policy, The Family Foundation, Virginia Institute Action, Middle Resolution, Virginia Fair Elections, Thomas Jefferson Institute for Public Policy, Virginia Education Opportunity Alliance, and Virginia Tea Party Patriots.
