Virginia Action

All posts by Lindsey Zea

Healthcare Bills Update 1/29

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1552 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals

STATUS: This bill was on the House Second Reading Calendar yesterday, 1/28. It is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/29, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

This bill would further entrench Virginia in the problems caused by the Certificate of Public Need program. It would allow certain hospitals, defined as critical access hospitals, to receive an exemption from COPN. This interference in the market place would cause inequity and continue to allow hospitals to choose winners and losers in the market of medical services. 

Find your Delegate’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1552!

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1037 – School-based Telehealth and Mental Health Services

STATUS: This bill was on the House Second Reading Calendar yesterday, 1/28. It is on the House Third Reading Calendar TODAY, 1/29, and is expected to receive a floor vote.

Empowers local school boards to increase healthcare access by allowing students to receive telehealth and mental health services during school hours, respecting parental rights through consent requirements. The bill preserves local control by letting school boards develop their own policies while ensuring student privacy and preventing disciplinary action for receiving healthcare services. This approach expands healthcare options without mandating participation, aligning with principles of individual choice and limited government intervention.

Please contact these Senators immediately and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1037

Senate Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515senatorhashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529senatormcpike@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502senatorobenshain@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528senatorreeves@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525senatorstuart@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534senatorsurovell@senate.virginia.gov

BILL UPDATES –OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB1177 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals

STATUS: This bill was passed on the Senate floor yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

This bill would further entrench Virginia in the problems caused by the Certificate of Public Need program. It would allow certain hospitals, defined as critical access hospitals, to receive an exemption from COPN. This interference in the market place would cause inequity and continue to allow hospitals to choose winners and losers in the market of medical services. 

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2119 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the House Health Subcommittee yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the full House Health and Human Services Committee.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

SUPPORT: SB1064 – Medical Care Facilities Certificate of Public Need Process Reform

STATUS: This bill passed on the Senate floor yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

This bill streamlines the certificate of public need (COPN) process for medical facilities by establishing an expedited 90-day review for certain psychiatric services, creating clear criteria for project reviews, and ensuring efficient processing of applications. The reforms maintain oversight of healthcare facility expansion while reducing regulatory burden through more efficient approval processes, supporting increased access to behavioral health services.

SUPPORT: SB1203 – Medical Desert Healthcare Access and Expedited Review

STATUS: This bill passed the Senate Health Subcommittee yesterday, 1/28. It will now be sent to the full Senate Education and Health Committee.

This bill creates a process for expedited certificate of public need review in medical desert areas, defined as locations with no healthcare facility within 15-30 miles, less than one primary care physician per 3,500 residents, high poverty rates, or federal Health Professional Shortage Area designation. The Commissioner must issue determinations within 120 days of application submission, streamlining approval processes to expand healthcare access in underserved communities.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Regulatory Reform Bills Update 1/28

REGULATORY REFORM

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1276 – Portable Benefit Accounts

Status: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee TODAY, 1/28, at 9AM in Senate Room A.

This bill establishes a framework for portable benefit accounts for independent contractors. The legislation supports independent workers by creating a mechanism for flexible benefits and tax relief, allowing contractors to save for healthcare and other essential expenses while maintaining individual financial autonomy.

Please contact these Senators right away and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1276!

Senate: Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515senatorhashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529senatormcpike@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502senatorobenshain@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528senatorreeves@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525senatorstuart@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534senatorsurovell@senate.virginia.gov

SUPPORT – BILL UPDATES

SUPPORT: SB839 – Property Rights and Multi-Family Housing

Status: This bill passed the Senate Local Government Committee on 1/27 and was sent to the Senate Floor. It is expected to receive a floor vote later this week.

This bill would require cities and counties to automatically allow apartment buildings or other multi-family housing to be built in areas that are currently zoned for businesses or commercial use, supporting strong property rights. 

 OPPOSE – BILL UPDATES

OPPOSE: HB2094 – High-risk artificial intelligence regulation

Status: This bill passed the House Communications Subcommittee and the House Communications, Technology and Innovation full Committee on 1/27 and was sent to General Government and Capital Outlay Appropriations Subcommittee.

This bill creates requirements for the development, deployment, and use of certain artificial intelligence systems, defined in the bill, and civil penalties for noncompliance. If adopted, this bill would establish considerable heavy handed regulations on AI development and use including requiring AI to be trained on what appears to be DEI standards. This bill Takes effect July 2026 with enforcement through the Attorney General.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Election Bills Update – 01/28

ELECTIONS

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: SB1009 – Ranked Choice Voting Expansion for Localities

Status: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee TODAY, 1/28, at 9AM in Senate Room A.

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. 

Please contact these Senators right away and ask them to VOTE NO on SB1009!

Senate: Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515senatorhashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529senatormcpike@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502senatorobenshain@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528senatorreeves@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525senatorstuart@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534senatorsurovell@senate.virginia.gov

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1044 – Election Results Reporting for Absentee and Provisional Ballots

Status: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee TODAY, 1/28, at 9AM in Senate Room A.

This bill enhances election transparency by requiring 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 while maintaining systematic verification processes.

Call and email these Senators and urge them to VOTE YES on SB1044

Senate: Finance and Appropriations CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515senatorhashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535senatormarsden@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526senatormcdougle@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529senatormcpike@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502senatorobenshain@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528senatorreeves@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Richard H. Stuart (R)25(804) 698-7525senatorstuart@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534senatorsurovell@senate.virginia.gov

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: SB1454 – Systematic Citizenship Verification Program

Status: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Privileges and Elections Committee THIS AFTERNOON, 1/28, in Senate Room B, Room 306.

Establishes monthly verification system to prevent non-citizen voter registration and remove non-citizens from voter rolls. Requires clear signage at polling places and registration offices about citizenship requirements and election fraud penalties. Requires registration agencies to verify citizenship status before processing applications.

Please reach out to these Senators this morning and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1454

Senate Privileges and ElectionsDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator Aaron R. Rouse (D)22(804) 698-7522senatorrouse@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Luther Cifers, III (R)10(804) 698-7510senatorcifers@senate.virginia.gov
Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511senatordeeds@senate.virginia.gov
Senator J.D. “Danny” Diggs (R)24(804) 698-7524senatordiggs@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Bill DeSteph (R)20(804) 698-7520senatordesteph@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Tara A. Durant (R)27(804) 698-7527senatordurant@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539senatorebbin@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer Carroll Foy (D)33(804) 698-7533senatorcarrollfoy@senate.virginia.gov
Senator T. Travis Hackworth (R)5(804) 698-7505senatorhackworth@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Tammy Brankley Mulchi (R)9(804) 698-7509senatormulchi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Russet Perry (D)31(804) 698-7531senatorperry@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Saddam Azlan Salim (D)37(804) 698-7537senatorsalim@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Kannan Srinivasan (D)32(804) 698-7532senatorsrinivasan@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Glen H. Sturtevant, Jr. (R)12(804) 698-7512senatorsturtevant@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D)16(804) 698-7516senatorvanvalkenburg@senate.virginia.gov

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSED

OPPOSE: HB1657 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

Status: This bill passed the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27 and was sent to the House Appropriations Committee.

This bill 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. 

OPPOSE: HB2002 – Voter Registration Cancellation Data Sources

Status: This bill passed the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27 and was sent to the full House Privileges and Elections Committee.

This bill limits voter registration cancellations to data provided only by the Department of Elections or state-approved agencies, inhibiting our general registrars ability to maintain an accurate registered voter list.

OPPOSE: HB2057 – Automatic Voter Registration Expansion

Status: This bill on the agenda of the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27 but was passed by for the day.

Expands automatic voter registration to include hunting/fishing license applicants, concealed handgun permit applicants, and milk distributor license applicants. Maintains citizenship verification requirements. 

  • To see bill text and info for HB2057: Click HERE

OPPOSE: HB2586- Automatic Voter Registration Expansion

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

Expands automatic voter registration to include hunting/fishing license applicants, concealed handgun permit applicants, and milk distributor license applicants. Maintains citizenship verification requirements. 

  • To see bill text and info for HB2586: Click HERE

OPPOSE: HB2277 – Compelled Election Results Certification

Status: This bill passed the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27 and was sent to the full House Privileges and Elections Committee.

Imposes $1,000 civil penalty on electoral board members who refuse to certify results. This impedes their ability to serve properly as an electoral board member, oversee elections and use their best judgment to certify elections. 

OPPOSE: SB760 – Absentee Ballot Receipt Deadline

Status: This bill was passed in the Senate on 1/27 and will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

The bill 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, negatively impacting voter confidence.

OPPOSE: SB813 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

Status: This bill was passed in the Senate on 1/27 and will now be sent to the House to be assigned to a House Committee.

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. 

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2402 – Enhanced Voter ID Affirmation

Status: This bill was killed in a tie vote in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

Requires voters without ID to provide additional information (full name, birth year, last four SSN digits) when signing an affirmation statement to vote. Applies to both in-person and early voting. Maintains existing acceptable forms of ID while strengthening verification requirements for those voting by affirmation.

SUPPORT: HB2434 – Voter Identification Requirements

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

This bill strengthens voter identification requirements by mandating the presentation of photo identification at polling places and during absentee voting. The legislation aims to enhance election integrity by ensuring voters can definitively verify their identity, while providing provisional voting options for those without standard forms of identification and maintaining accessibility for all qualified voters.

SUPPORT: HB2444 – Eliminate Cost for Digital Copies of the Registered Voter List

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

This bill requires the Department of Elections to provide digital lists of all registered voters and of persons who voted at any primary, special, or general election held in the four preceding years at no cost and manually prepared paper lists of such voters and persons at actual cost to certain persons. Under current law such lists are provided at a “reasonable” price and no format is specified.

SUPPORT: HB2445 –  Reduces Early Voting to 14 Days

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

Reduces early voting from 45 to 14 days before all elections and extends daily hours from 7am-7pm at registrar offices and satellite locations.

SUPPORT: HB2478 – Absentee Ballot Drop-off Security

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

This bill requires 24-hour video surveillance at all absentee ballot drop-off locations and mandates daily collection by bipartisan teams, strengthening security protocols for ballot returns. Currently, guidance from the Department of Elections requires 24-hour surveillance but many localities are not in compliance with the policy.

SUPPORT: HB2508 – High School Voter Registration Parental Consent

Status: This bill was killed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27.

Requires parental consent for voter registration of students under 18. Limits voter registration activities at high schools to administrators, teachers, staff, and election officials. Requires acknowledgment of giving minor applicant’s personal information.

SUPPORT: HB2513 – Voter Registration Cancellation Notice Process

Status: This bill passed in the House Election Administration Subcommittee on 1/27 and will now be sent to the full House Privileges and Elections Committee.

Requires registrars to use DMV data to update vote records and mail cancellation notices to both new and old addresses when available for voters who have moved, as indicated by DMV data. 

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Election Bills Update – 01/27

ELECTIONS

CALL TO ACTION – OPPOSE

THE STATUS OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS IS: On the agenda of the House Election Administration Subcommittee THIS AFTERNOON at 4PM in House South Subcommittee Room 210.

OPPOSE: HB1657 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

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. 

OPPOSE: HB2002 – Voter Registration Cancellation Data Sources

This bill limits voter registration cancellations to data provided only by the Department of Elections or state-approved agencies, inhibiting our general registrars ability to maintain an accurate registered voter list.

OPPOSE: HB2057 & HB 2586- Automatic Voter Registration Expansion (identical bills)

Expands automatic voter registration to include hunting/fishing license applicants, concealed handgun permit applicants, and milk distributor license applicants. Maintains citizenship verification requirements. 

OPPOSE: HB2277 – Compelled Election Results Certification

Imposes $1,000 civil penalty on electoral board members who refuse to certify results. This impedes their ability to serve properly as an electoral board member, oversee elections and use their best judgment to certify elections. 

Please contact these Delegates immediately and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1657, HB2002, HB2057, HB2586 and HB2277

Subcommittee: Election AdministrationDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Jackie H. Glass (D)93(804) 698-1093DelJGlass@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom, Jr. (R)100(804) 698-1000DelRBloxom@house.virginia.gov
Delegate W. Chad Green (R)69(804) 698-1069DelCGreen@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr. (D)19(804) 698-1019DelRHenson@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D)20(804) 698-1020DelMMaldonado@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price (D)85(804) 698-1085DelMPrice@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D)17(804) 698-1017DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan (D)26(804) 698-1026DelKSrinivasan@house.virginia.gov
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. (R)83(804) 698-1083DelOWachsmann@house.virginia.gov

OPPOSE: SB760 – Absentee Ballot Receipt Deadline

Status: This bill is on the Senate Third Reading Calendar TODAY and is expected to receive a floor vote.

The bill 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, negatively impacting voter confidence.

Find your Senator’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on SB760!

OPPOSE: SB813 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

Status: This bill is on the Senate Third Reading Calendar TODAY and is expected to receive a floor vote.

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. 

Find your Senator’s contact information HERE and ask them to VOTE NO on SB813!

CALL TO ACTION – SUPPORT

THE STATUS OF THE FOLLOWING BILLS IS: On the agenda of the House Election Administration Subcommittee THIS AFTERNOON at 4PM in House South Subcommittee Room 210.

SUPPORT: HB2402 – Enhanced Voter ID Affirmation

Requires voters without ID to provide additional information (full name, birth year, last four SSN digits) when signing an affirmation statement to vote. Applies to both in-person and early voting. Maintains existing acceptable forms of ID while strengthening verification requirements for those voting by affirmation.

SUPPORT: HB2434 – Voter Identification Requirements

This bill strengthens voter identification requirements by mandating the presentation of photo identification at polling places and during absentee voting. The legislation aims to enhance election integrity by ensuring voters can definitively verify their identity, while providing provisional voting options for those without standard forms of identification and maintaining accessibility for all qualified voters.

SUPPORT: HB2444 – Eliminate Cost for Digital Copies of the Registered Voter List

This bill requires the Department of Elections to provide digital lists of all registered voters and of persons who voted at any primary, special, or general election held in the four preceding years at no cost and manually prepared paper lists of such voters and persons at actual cost to certain persons. Under current law such lists are provided at a “reasonable” price and no format is specified.

SUPPORT: HB2445 –  Reduces Early Voting to 14 Days

Reduces early voting from 45 to 14 days before all elections and extends daily hours from 7am-7pm at registrar offices and satellite locations.

SUPPORT: HB2478 – Absentee Ballot Drop-off Security

This bill requires 24-hour video surveillance at all absentee ballot drop-off locations and mandates daily collection by bipartisan teams, strengthening security protocols for ballot returns. Currently, guidance from the Department of Elections requires 24-hour surveillance but many localities are not in compliance with the policy.

SUPPORT: HB2508 – High School Voter Registration Parental Consent

Requires parental consent for voter registration of students under 18. Limits voter registration activities at high schools to administrators, teachers, staff, and election officials. Requires acknowledgment of giving minor applicant’s personal information.

SUPPORT: HB2513 – Voter Registration Cancellation Notice Process

Requires registrars to use DMV data to update vote records and mail cancellation notices to both new and old addresses when available for voters who have moved, as indicated by DMV data. To see bill text and info: Click HERE

Please contact these Delegates immediately and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2402, HB2434, HB2444, HB2445, HB2478, HB2508, and HB2513

Subcommittee: Election AdministrationDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Jackie H. Glass (D)93(804) 698-1093DelJGlass@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom, Jr. (R)100(804) 698-1000DelRBloxom@house.virginia.gov
Delegate W. Chad Green (R)69(804) 698-1069DelCGreen@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr. (D)19(804) 698-1019DelRHenson@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D)20(804) 698-1020DelMMaldonado@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price (D)85(804) 698-1085DelMPrice@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D)17(804) 698-1017DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan (D)26(804) 698-1026DelKSrinivasan@house.virginia.gov
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. (R)83(804) 698-1083DelOWachsmann@house.virginia.gov

BILL UPDATES – SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB1952 – Voter List Price Transparency

Status: This bill passed in the House Privileges and Elections Committee on Friday, 1/24. It will now be sent to the House floor for a vote later this week.

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.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Regulatory Reform Bills Update 1/27

REGULATORY REFORM

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB2094 – Artificial Intelligence Regulation

STATUS: This bill is on the agenda of the House Communications Subcommittee to be voted on THIS MORNING, 1/24 in House Committee Room C – 206.

This bill creates requirements for the development, deployment, and use of certain artificial intelligence systems, defined in the bill, and civil penalties for noncompliance. If adopted, this bill would establish considerable heavy handed regulations on AI development and use including requiring AI to be trained on what appears to be DEI standards. This bill Takes effect July 2026 with enforcement through the Attorney General.

Please contact these Delegates immediately and ask them to VOTE NO on HB2094

Subcommittee: CommunicationsDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Jackie H. Glass(D)93(804) 698-1093DelJGlass@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Alfonso H. Lopez(D)3(804) 698-1003DelALopez@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Jeion A. Ward(D)87(804) 698-1087DelJWard@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008delishin@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Holly M. Seibold(D)12(804) 698-1012delhseibold@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado(D)20(804) 698-1020delmmaldonado@house.virginia.gov
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068DelKHodges@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Thomas C. Wright, Jr.(R)50(804) 698-1050DelTWright@house.virginia.gov
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083delowachsmann@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Timothy P. Griffin(R)53(804) 698-1053DelTGriffin@house.virginia.gov
Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.(D)91(804) 698-1091DelCHayes@house.virginia.gov

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Governance Bills Update 1/27

GOVERNANCE

BILL UPDATES – OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB1401 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill was on the agenda of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 1/24 and was incorporated/merged into SB917.

This bill authorizes collective bargaining rights for firefighters and emergency medical services providers, establishing procedures for union representation and dispute resolution. The legislation creates a Fire Service Cooperation Board to oversee labor relations and provides binding arbitration for contract negotiations while prohibiting strikes. Effective January 1, 2026.

OPPOSE: SB964 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill was on the agenda of the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 1/24 and was incorporated/merged into SB917.

This bill creates the Virginia Home Care Authority to oversee home care services and allows individual home care providers to unionize and collectively bargain. The bill only takes effect if Virginia enacts broader public employee collective bargaining legislation.

OPPOSE: SB917 – Collective Bargaining by Public Employees

STATUS: This bill passed in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on 1/24 and was sent to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee.

This bill establishes a comprehensive framework for public employee collective bargaining, creating a Public Employee Relations Board to oversee negotiations while maintaining critical limitations on government employee strikes. 

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Election Bills Update – 01/24

ELECTIONS

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB1952 – Voter List Price Transparency

Status: This bill is on the agenda of the House Privileges and Elections committee to be voted on THIS MORNING, 1/24, at 9:30AM in House Committee Room C-206.

This bill 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.

Please contact these Delegates and ask them to VOTE YES on HB1952

House Privileges and ElectionsDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price (D)85(804) 698-1085DelMPrice@house.virginia.gov
Vice Chair: Delegate Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler (D)96(804) 698-1096DelKConvirs-Fowler@House.virginia.gov
Delegate Bonita G. Anthony (D)92(804) 698-1092DelBAnthony@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Robert S. Bloxom, Jr. (R)100(804) 698-1000DelRBloxom@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling (D)80(804) 698-1080DelDLeverebolling@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Mike A. Cherry (R)74(804) 698-1074DelMCherry@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Joshua G. Cole (D)65(804) 698-1065DelJCole@house.virginia.gov
Delegate C. Todd Gilbert (R)33(804) 698-1033DelTGilbert@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Jackie H. Glass (D)93(804) 698-1093DelJGlass@house.virginia.gov
Delegate W. Chad Green (R)69(804) 698-1069DelCGreen@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr. (D)19(804) 698-1019DelRHenson@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Paul E. Krizek (D)16(804) 698-1016DelPKrizek@house.virginia.gov
Delegate James A. “Jay” Leftwich (R)90(804) 698-1090DelJLeftwich@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michelle Lopes Maldonado (D)20(804) 698-1020DelMMaldonado@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Paul V. Milde (R)64(804) 698-1064DelPMilde@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Israel D. O’Quinn (R)44(804) 698-1044DelIOQuinn@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Eric Phillips (R)48(804) 698-1048DelEPhillips@house.virginia.gov
Delegate David A. Reid (D)28(804) 698-1028DelDReid@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Phillip A. Scott (R)63(804) 698-1063DelPScott@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D)17(804) 698-1017DelMSickles@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan (D)26(804) 698-1026DelKSrinivasan@house.virginia.gov
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr. (R)83(804) 698-1083DelOWachsmann@house.virginia.gov

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: SB760 – Absentee Ballot Receipt Deadline

Status: This bill is on the Senate Second Reading Calendar for the Senate Floor TODAY, 1/24. It is expected to be on the third Reading Calendar on Monday and receive a floor vote.

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.

Contact your Senator and ask them to VOTE NO on SB760!

OPPOSE: SB813 – Voter List Maintenance Timing

Status: This bill is on the Senate Second Reading Calendar for the Senate Floor TODAY, 1/24. It is expected to be on the third Reading Calendar on Monday and receive a floor vote.

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. 

Contact your Senator and ask them to VOTE NO on SB813!

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Education Bills Update – 01/24

EDUCATION

BILL UPDATES

OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB979 – Delayed implementation of new Public School Accountability System

Status: This bill PASSED in the Senate Education and Health Committee on January 23rd. It will now be sent to the Senate Floor for a vote.

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.

OPPOSE: SB1031 – Religious Exemption for Education Requirements

Status: This bill was scheduled to receive a vote in the Senate Education and Health Committee today, 1/23. The bill was passed by for the day. The reason provided for the delay was wanting to work towards a compromise between religious liberty and reporting requirements for the homeschool students that utilize the religious exemption for homeschooling (there is now a new amended version of the bill which you can see here). HEAV, a Virginia Association for homeschoolers, has not been approached by legislators about their feedback on any changes to the bill.

SB1031 Attacks the homeschooling religious exemption process by requiring parents to meet educational qualifications, submit annual notices and progress reports, and demonstrate certain instruction methods.

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Regulatory Reform Bills Update 1/23

Regulatory Reform

SUPPORT

SUPPORT: HB2443 – Portable Benefit Accounts for Independent Contractors

Status: This bill will be voted on in the House Commerce and Labor Subcommittee #2, THIS AFTERNOON, 1/23 in House Committee Room A – 008.

This bill creates a framework for portable benefit accounts, empowering independent contractors to access flexible benefits through voluntary contributions from hiring entities. The legislation supports individual economic freedom by allowing independent contractors to establish accounts for healthcare, insurance, and retirement benefits that remain under their control, regardless of their work status, promoting personal financial resilience and worker autonomy.

Contact these Delegates as soon as possible and ask them to VOTE YES on HB2443!

Subcommittee: #2DistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Alfonso H. Lopez(D)3(804) 698-1003DelALopez@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Jason S. Ballard(R)42(804) 698-1042deljballard@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling(D)80(804) 698-1080DelDLeVereBolling@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler(D)96(804) 698-1096DelKConvirs-Fowler@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Michael B. Feggans(D)97(804) 698-1097DelMFeggans@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Dan I. Helmer(D)10(804) 698-1010DelDHelmer@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Daniel W. Marshall, III(R)49(804) 698-1049DelDMarshall@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Chris S. Runion(R)35(804) 698-1035DelCRunion@house.virginia.gov
Delegate Jeion A. Ward(D)87(804) 698-1087DelJWard@house.virginia.gov

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Education Bills Update – 1/23

EDUCATION

OPPOSE

OPPOSE: SB979 – Delayed implementation of new Public School Accountability System

Status: This bill passed in the Senate Education Subcommittee earlier this week and will be voted on in the full Senate Education and Health Committee, TODAY, 1/23 at 8:30AM in Senate Room A of the General Assembly Building.

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.

OPPOSE: SB1031 – Religious Exemption for Education Requirements

Status: This bill passed in the Senate Education Subcommittee earlier this week and will be voted on in the full Senate Education and Health Committee, TODAY, 1/23 at 8:30AM in Senate Room A of the General Assembly Building.

Attacks the homeschooling religious exemption process by requiring parents to meet educational qualifications, submit annual notices and progress reports, and demonstrate certain instruction methods.

Please contact these Senators and ask them to VOTE NO on SB979 and SB1031.

Senate Education and HealthDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator Ghazala F. Hashmi (D)15(804) 698-7515senatorhashmi@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Lashrecse D. Aird (D)13(804) 698-7514senatoraird@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Lamont Bagby (D)14(804) 698-1092senatorbagby@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Jennifer B. Boysko (D)38(804) 698-7538senatorboysko@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Christie New Craig (R)19(804) 698-7519senatorcraig@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Tara A. Durant (R)27(804) 698-7527senatordurant@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Barbara A. Favola (D)40(804) 698-7540senatorfavola@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Christopher T. Head (R)3(804) 698-7503senatorhead@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523senatorlocke@senate.virginia.gov
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518senatorlucas@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508senatorpeake@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Stella G. Pekarsky (D)36(804) 698-7536senatorpekarsky@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Todd E. Pillion (R)6(804) 698-7506senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov
Senator David R. Suetterlein (R)4(804) 698-7504senatorsuetterlein@senate.virginia.gov
Senator Schuyler T. VanValkenburg (D)16(804) 698-7516senatorvanvalkenburg@senate.virginia.gov

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