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,