Email from Senator Bill DeSteph Approaching the Halfway Point   Good afternoon John xxxxxx, This past week marked one of the busiest periods of the General Assembly session as we worked to catch up on a packed agenda, in an already short session. Many committees have added extra meetings to address the volume of legislation, and I remain focused on pushing forward the bills I’ve introduced this session. Looking ahead this week, Tuesday is “Crossover,” the final day for us to vote on bills before we send them to the House of Delegates. After Tuesday, we’ll shift our attention to reviewing the legislation that has passed the House. PRESS CONFERENCE Earlier this week, I joined my Senate Republican colleagues for a press conference to discuss important measures we have proposed aimed at easing the cost of living for Virginians. Together we’ve introduced a series of legislative measures that would return over $1.39 billion annually to Virginians, providing some much-needed relief. These measures include eliminating taxes on tips, removing the sunset on the Standard Deduction for taxpayers (which would maintain the standard deduction at $8,500 for individuals and $17,000 for joint filers, saving taxpayers nearly $1 billion annually), and erasing the dreaded car tax. I will continue advocating for policies that support responsible spending and deliver meaningful relief for Virginians. SEE FOR YOURSELF: MEDIA COVERAGE Brad Kutner: Virginia Senate Republicans lament death of tax cut efforts Cameron Thompson: Virginia lawmaker pushes for elected school boards amid local opposition Markus Schmidt: Virginia car tax credit hits dead end before Senate panel LEGISLATIVE DEVELOPMENTS This week, several bills passed through the Senate that cause me considerable concern for our Commonwealth. SB970 sets the framework for a retail marijuana market, and raises concerns about the potential for increased drug sales and unregulated distribution in our communities. Another bill, SB1040, proposes significant changes to the Virginia Clean Economy Act, which would further expand renewable energy mandates. Such policy decisions will prove to burden taxpayers, force untenable standards of energy production and hurt consumers. SB1122 has also drawn attention, as it would establish a state-funded insurance program. This program will ultimately increase the financial burden on families by introducing new premiums, which will total nearly $11 billion over the next decade. Firearm Legislation A package of anti-gun bills has also been passed, including measures aimed at restricting certain types of firearms and expanding storage requirements. I regularly keep public safety on my mind, as I consider it one of my primary responsibilities as a your legislator; but I firmly believe in punishing the criminal, not the law abiding gun owner. I voted against each and every one of these terrible bills and I will continue to protect and defend the Constitution, to include our 2nd Amendment. Voter Registration and Elections Two bills related to voter registration and election laws have raised concerns. SB813, which limits the ability to review voter rolls within 90 days of an election, has been criticized for potentially allowing illegal votes to be cast. Additionally, SB814, which aims to change how localities handle districting, could disrupt the autonomy of local governments and override voter preferences. CHIEF PATRON LEGISLATION Here is an update on just a few of the bills I am sponsoring during this session: SB941 unanimously passed the Senate this week. This bill adds "air or gas operated weapons" to the list of weapons that would result in a Class 3 felony if used in the commission of a robbery. It is important to note that the weapon must also be similar in appearance to a firearm. On Monday, SB1235 was incorporated into Senate Minority Leader Ryan McDougle's legislation, SB746. A successful passage would mean that a person would be guilty of felony homicide if the underlying felonious act that resulted in the killing of another involved the manufacture, sale, gift, or distribution of a Schedule I or II controlled substance (i.e. fentanyl, heroin, etc.) to another and such other person's death results from his/her use of the controlled substance and the controlled substance is the proximate cause of his death. SB1468 was passed by indefinitely in Senate General Laws and Technology Committee on Wednesday. My bill would have prevented the purchase, acquisition, lease, or interest in land adjacent to a military bases in the Commonwealth on and after January 1, 2026 unless the purchase complied with the provisions of 50 U.S.C. § 4565, which is designed to strengthen national security by ensuring that foreign investments do not compromise sensitive U.S. industries or technological advancements. It particularly aims to prevent foreign adversaries from gaining access to sectors that could undermine U.S. security or economic interests. For a complete list of my legislation this session: CLICK HERE CONCLUSION As always, I encourage you to share your views, opinions, suggestions, and questions with me as they relate to legislation or state government. You can email my office at [email protected] or call us at 804-698-7520. And if you are in Richmond, be sure to visit my office at the General Assembly building. I am in Room 608. With the General Assembly session being shorter this year, my schedule is often unpredictable, but if I am available, I would enjoy the opportunity to say hello. I’ll be in touch next week with another update from the General Assembly. Have a wonderful week! Warm regards, Visit My Website The Week in Pictures I was honored to meet with Virginia Concerns of Police Survivors President Betty Walker (L) and Secretary Anne Wendel (center). City of Norfolk Leaders - City Manager Patrick Roberts, Council Members McGee, Smigiel, Johnson, Director of Government Relations Pennington and Councilman Clanton Congresswoman Jen Kiggans and Astronaut Candidate Luke Delaney. See my introduction of Luke Delaney on the Senate floor here: Senate Introduction Governor Glenn Youngkin stopped by for a quick visit, following a meeting with Dr. Lisa Martin, Superintendent of Northampton County Public Schools and Northampton County School Board Chairwoman Liz Jones and Board Member Ian Brenson. I enjoyed meeting with Tidewater Community College President, Dr. Marcia Conston (to my right) and others from TCC. Senator Bill DeSteph | www.billdesteph.com Authorized and Paid for by Friends of Bill DeSteph for Senate Senator Bill DeSteph | 588 Central Drive | Virginia Beach, VA 23454 US Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice