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Education Bill Updates 1/27

EDUCATION

SUPPORT – CALL TO ACTION

SUPPORT: HB2639 – Education Choice Tax Credits

STATUS: This bill will be voted on in the House Finance Committee Subcommittee 2 on Tuesday, 1/28, at 4pm in House South Committee Room 210.

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.

Contact these Delegates to VOTE YES on HB2639!

Subcommittee: #2DistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Elizabeth B. Bennett-Parker (D)5(804) 698-1005[email protected]
Delegate Bonita G. Anthony (D)92(804) 698-1092[email protected]
Delegate Katrina Callsen (D)54(804) 698-1054[email protected]
Delegate Amy J. Laufer (D)55(804) 698-1055[email protected]
Delegate Robert D. Orrock, Sr. (R)66(804) 698-1066[email protected]
Delegate Richard C. “Rip” Sullivan, Jr. (D)6(804) 698-1006[email protected]
Delegate Wendell S. Walker (R)52(804) 698-1052[email protected]
Delegate R. Lee Ware (R)72(804) 698-1072[email protected]
Delegate Vivian E. Watts (D)14(804) 698-1014[email protected]

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Governance Bills Update 1/24

GOVERNANCE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: SB917 – Collective Bargaining by Public Employees

STATUS: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee TODAY, 1/24, 30 minutes after adjournment in Senate Room A, Room 305.

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. 

OPPOSE: SB964 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill will be voted on in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee TODAY, 1/24, 30 minutes after adjournment in Senate Room A, Room 305.

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.

Contact these Senators as soon as possible and ask them to VOTE NO on SB917 and SB964!

Commerce and Labor CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511[email protected]
Senator Lamont Bagby (D)14(804) 698-7514[email protected]
Senator Bill DeSteph (R)20(804) 698-7520[email protected]
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526[email protected]
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535[email protected]
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529[email protected]
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502[email protected]
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508[email protected]
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528[email protected]
Senator Aaron R. Rouse (D)22(804) 698-7522[email protected]
Senator William M. Stanley, Jr. (R)7(804) 698-7507[email protected]
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534[email protected]

GOVERNANCE

BILL UPDATES

OPPOSE

OPPOSE: HB2089 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill was on the agenda of House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 yesterday, 1/23, but was passed by for the day. The vote for this bill has been rescheduled for a subcommittee meeting on Tuesday next week.

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: HB2495 – Firefighter and EMS Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill was on the agenda of House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 yesterday, 1/23, but was passed by for the day. The vote for this bill has been rescheduled for a subcommittee meeting on Tuesday next week.

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

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Regulatory Reform Bills Update 1/24

REGULATORY REFORM

SUPPORT – KILLED

SUPPORT: HB2443 – Portable Benefit Accounts for Independent Contractors

STATUS: This bill was voted on in the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee 2 and was killed through the motion to pass by indefinitely on January, 23rd.

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.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bills Update 1/24

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE – CALL TO ACTION

OPPOSE: HB1724 – Medicinal Price Setting

Status: This legislation is on THIS AFTERNOON’s agenda of the House Health and Human Resources Subcommittee in House Appropriations Committee Room – 1200 of the General Assembly Building.

This bill would create a Prescription Drug Affordability Board. Under this proposed legislation, the Board will be given authority to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to an upper payment limit amount for state sponsored and state regulated health plans, directly opposed to free market principles.

Contact these Delegates and urge them to VOTE NO on HB1724!

Subcommittee: Health & Human ResourcesDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Mark D. Sickles (D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Delegate Ellen H. Campbell (R)36(804) 698-1036[email protected]
Delegate Betsy B. Carr (D)78(804) 698-1078[email protected]
Delegate Carrie E. Coyner (R)75(804) 698-1075[email protected]
Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr. (D)91(804) 698-1091[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges (R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Paul E. Krizek (D)16(804) 698-1016[email protected]
Delegate Sam Rasoul (D)38(804) 698-1038[email protected]
Delegate Luke E. Torian (D)24(804) 698-1024[email protected]

BILL UPDATES

OPPOSE

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

STATUS: This bill has been passed out of the House Health and Human Services committee on January, 23rd. Next, this bill will move to the House floor for a 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. 

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

STATUS: This bill has been passed out of the Senate Education and Health committee on January 23rd. Next, this bill will move to the Senate floor for a 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. 

SUPPORT

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

STATUS: This bill has been passed out of the Senate Education and Health committee on January 23rd. Next, this bill will move to the Senate floor for a vote.

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.

Click here to view more “Recent Updates”

Healthcare Bill Update 1/23

HEALTHCARE

OPPOSE

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

Status: This bill was voted on and passed out of the House Health Subcommittee and is now on the agenda of the full House Health and Human Services Committee on TODAY, Thursday 1/23 in House Committee Room C-206.

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. 

Please contact these Delegates and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1552.

Health and Human Services CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Vice Chair: Delegate Kathy K.L. Tran(D)18(804) 698-1018[email protected]
Delegate Mike A. Cherry(R)74(804) 698-1074[email protected]
Delegate Joshua G. Cole(D)65(804) 698-1065[email protected]
Delegate N. Baxter Ennis(R)89(804) 698-1089[email protected]
Delegate Debra D. Gardner(D)76(804) 698-1076[email protected]
Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.(D)91(804) 698-1091[email protected]
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr.(D)19(804) 698-1019[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate Geary Higgins(R)30(804) 698-1030[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Robert D. Orrock, Sr.(R)66(804) 698-1066[email protected]
Delegate David Owen(R)57(804) 698-1057[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Phillip A. Scott(R)63(804) 698-1063[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan(D)26(804) 698-1026[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Wendell S. Walker(R)52(804) 698-1052[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]

Click here to view more “Recent Updates.”

Good Governance Bills Update 1/23

GOOD GOVERNANCE

OPPOSE

OPPOSE: HB2089 – Home Care Provider Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill will be voted on in the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee 2 this afternoon, 1/23, immediately after the adjournment of the full committee, in House Committee Room A -008.

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: HB2495 – Firefighter and EMS Collective Bargaining

STATUS: This bill will be voted on in the House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee 2 this afternoon, 1/23, immediately after the adjournment of the full committee, in House Committee Room A -008.

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

Please contact these Delegates and tell them to VOTE NO on HB2089 and HB2495!

Subcommittee: #2DistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Alfonso H. Lopez(D)3(804) 698-1003[email protected]
Delegate Jason S. Ballard(R)42(804) 698-1042[email protected]
Delegate Destiny LeVere Bolling(D)80(804) 698-1080[email protected]
Delegate Kelly K. Convirs-Fowler(D)96(804) 698-1096[email protected]
Delegate Michael B. Feggans(D)97(804) 698-1097[email protected]
Delegate Dan I. Helmer(D)10(804) 698-1010[email protected]
Delegate Daniel W. Marshall, III(R)49(804) 698-1049[email protected]
Delegate Chris S. Runion(R)35(804) 698-1035[email protected]
Delegate Jeion A. Ward(D)87(804) 698-1087[email protected]

Click here to view more “Recent Updates.”

Healthcare Bill Update 1/22

Healthcare

OPPOSE

Status: This bill was voted on and passed out of the House Health Subcommittee and is now on the agenda of the full House Health and Human Services Committee on Thursday 1/23.

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

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. 

Please contact these Delegates and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1552.

Health and Human Services CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Vice Chair: Delegate Kathy K.L. Tran(D)18(804) 698-1018[email protected]
Delegate Mike A. Cherry(R)74(804) 698-1074[email protected]
Delegate Joshua G. Cole(D)65(804) 698-1065[email protected]
Delegate N. Baxter Ennis(R)89(804) 698-1089[email protected]
Delegate Debra D. Gardner(D)76(804) 698-1076[email protected]
Delegate C.E. Cliff Hayes, Jr.(D)91(804) 698-1091[email protected]
Delegate Rozia A. Henson, Jr.(D)19(804) 698-1019[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate Geary Higgins(R)30(804) 698-1030[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Robert D. Orrock, Sr.(R)66(804) 698-1066[email protected]
Delegate David Owen(R)57(804) 698-1057[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Phillip A. Scott(R)63(804) 698-1063[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Kannan Srinivasan(D)26(804) 698-1026[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Wendell S. Walker(R)52(804) 698-1052[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]

Bill Update From 1/21

Status: This bill read for the third time, voted on, and passed in the Senate. This bill will be sent to the House and assigned to a House committee.

SUPPORT: SB843 – Remote Patient Monitoring

This bill directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to develop a plan and estimate costs for expanding eligibility criteria under Medicaid for remote patient monitoring for individuals with chronic conditions. These proposed changes would allow for a vulnerable demographic of Virginians, those with chronic conditions, to receive critical attention from medical professionals without further jeopardizing their health through unnecessary movement and travel. 

Regulatory Reform Bill Update 1/20

Regulatory Reform

SUPPORT

The following bill will be voted on in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee THIS AFTERNOON, 1/20.

SB1276 – Portable Benefit Accounts and Tax Deduction

This bill establishes a framework for portable benefit accounts for independent contractors and provides a state income tax deduction for contributions to these accounts. 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 and ask them to VOTE YES on SB1276.

Commerce and Labor CommitteeDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511[email protected]
Senator Lamont Bagby (D)14(804) 698-7514[email protected]
Senator Bill DeSteph (R)20(804) 698-7520[email protected]
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526[email protected]
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535[email protected]
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529[email protected]
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502[email protected]
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508[email protected]
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528[email protected]
Senator Aaron R. Rouse (D)22(804) 698-7522[email protected]
Senator William M. Stanley, Jr. (R)7(804) 698-7507[email protected]
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534[email protected]

SUPPORT

This bill will be voted on in the House Health Subcommittee TOMORROW afternoon, 1/21.

HB1555 – SUPPORT: HB1555 – Healthcare Sand Box
Requires the Department of Health to establish the Health Care Regulatory Sandbox Program to enable a person to obtain limited access to the market in the Commonwealth to temporarily test an innovative health care product or service on a limited basis. 

To see bill text and info: Click HERE

Please contact these Delegates and tell them to VOTE YES on HB1555

Subcommittee: HealthDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]
Healthcare Bill Updates 1/20

Healthcare

OPPOSE

The following bill will be voted on in the House Health Subcommittee in room C-206 on Tuesday 1/21 afternoon.

HB1552 – Certificate of Public Need Exemption for Critical Hospitals

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. 

Please contact these Delegates and ask them to VOTE NO on HB1552.

Subcommittee: HealthDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Delegate Patrick A. Hope(D)1(804) 698-1001[email protected]
Delegate Charniele L. Herring(D)4(804) 698-1004[email protected]
Delegate M. Keith Hodges(R)68(804) 698-1068[email protected]
Delegate Marcia S. “Cia” Price(D)85(804) 698-1085[email protected]
Delegate Irene Shin(D)8(804) 698-1008[email protected]
Delegate Mark D. Sickles(D)17(804) 698-1017[email protected]
Delegate Kim A. Taylor(R)82(804) 698-1082[email protected]
Delegate H. Otto Wachsmann, Jr.(R)83(804) 698-1083[email protected]
Delegate Rodney T. Willett(D)58(804) 698-1058[email protected]

SUPPORT

This bill will is on the Uncontested Second Reading Calendar for TODAY, 1/20, on the Senate Floor. It is expected to be on the Uncontested Third Reading Calendar tomorrow, 1/21, and will be voted on in a bloc.

SUPPORT: SB843 – Remote Patient Monitoring

This bill directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to develop a plan and estimate costs for expanding eligibility criteria under Medicaid for remote patient monitoring for individuals with chronic conditions. These proposed changes would allow for a vulnerable demographic of Virginians, those with chronic conditions, to receive critical attention from medical professionals without further jeopardizing their health through unnecessary movement and travel. 

CLICK HERE to find and contact your Senator and VOTE YES on SB843

Healthcare Bill Call to Action – UPDATE

HEALTHCARE

SUPPORT

UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE

SUPPORT: SB843 – Remote Patient Monitoring – Passed Senate Health and Education Committee with a vote of 14-Y and 0-N on January 16th.

This bill directs the Department of Medical Assistance Services to develop a plan and estimate costs for expanding eligibility criteria under Medicaid for remote patient monitoring for individuals with chronic conditions. 

SUPPORT: SB910 – Phased Elimination of Certificate of Public Need – Failed through the motion to pass by indefinitely in the Senate Health and Education Committee with a vote of 13-Y and 1-N on January 16th.

This bill would establish a phased elimination of Certificate of Public Need with full elimination in 2027. 

Please contact these Senators and ask them to VOTE YES on SB843 and SB910.

Senate Committee: Education and HealthDistrictPhoneEmail
Chair: Senator R. Creigh Deeds (D)11(804) 698-7511[email protected]
Senator Lamont Bagby (D)14(804) 698-7514[email protected]
Senator Bill DeSteph (R)20(804) 698-7520[email protected]
Senator Adam P. Ebbin (D)39(804) 698-7539[email protected]
Senator Mamie E. Locke (D)23(804) 698-7523[email protected]
Senator L. Louise Lucas (D)18(804) 698-7518[email protected]
Senator Ryan T. McDougle (R)26(804) 698-7526[email protected]
Senator David W. Marsden (D)35(804) 698-7535[email protected]
Senator Jeremy S. McPike (D)29(804) 698-7529[email protected]
Senator Mark D. Obenshain (R)2(804) 698-7502[email protected]
Senator Mark J. Peake (R)8(804) 698-7508[email protected]
Senator Bryce E. Reeves (R)28(804) 698-7528[email protected]
Senator Aaron R. Rouse (D)22(804) 698-7522[email protected]
Senator William M. Stanley, Jr. (R)7(804) 698-7507[email protected]
Senator Scott A. Surovell (D)34(804) 698-7534[email protected]