Boysko Bulletin: Week Two Report From Richmond/Storm Prep

Dear Friend, 

The General Assembly is off and running!  In the past weeks, we passed all four constitutional amendments, including SJ1 - my bill that protects our freedom to make decisions for ourselves regarding the entire scope of reproductive health care in Virginia’s Constitution.  Also of note, we swore in our new statewide officials: Governor Abigail Spanberger, Lt. Governor Ghazala Hashmi and Attorney General Jay Jones.  This was a historic moment in Virginia!

As we move though the General Assembly session, I will be keeping you apprised of our actions each week through the Boysko Bulletin and daily on social media.  I’m carrying 26 bills plus commending resolutions and 43 budget amendments. I serve on five committees.  Madame Chair of Finance, Senator Louise Lucas, asked me to serve as Chair of the Subcommittee on Public Safety and Claims on the Finance & Appropriations Committee, so now I serve on three Finance Subcommittees at her request- Health and Human Resources, Capital Outlay & Transportation, and Public Safety & Claims.  I also continue my work on the other committees: Education & Health, where I serve as Subcommittee Chair on Health Professions, Transportation Committee, Courts of Justice Committee, and Local Government Committee.

You can see more about the bills I am sponsoring this year below.  There are five that have been vetoed by the previous governor that are on my agenda again this year including SB 2 Paid Family and Medical Leave.  I was delighted to hear Governor Spanberger mention it as one of her top priorities in her first address to the Joint Meeting of the General Assembly on Monday afternoon.  I was even more thrilled to hear the thunderous applause from my colleagues in support of the policy.  This is my 8th year to carry the legislation that would create a self funded insurance program to provide PFML to Virginia workers.  And we are poised to have the bill signed this year.

I want to make sure that you know that the Tyson’s Casino bill (SB 756) was officially filed this week and is exactly the same as last year’s bill despite the official opposition of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and polling showing that over 75% of Fairfax residents oppose it.   I will continue to strongly oppose this bill as I have each year that it has been brought up. Please use your voice too.

As always, the work will be nonstop over the next 2 months.  I’m looking forward to it and hope to see you in Richmond!  I enjoy seeing all of the friendly faces from home. Please keep in close contact with me and my office to share your thoughts.

There is storm prep info below. Please stay safe! I'll send storm updates as we receive them from VDOT and our Governor.

Kindest regards, 

Jennifer B. Boysko

Member, Senate of Virginia

Representing the 38th Senate District making up the northernmost portions of Fairfax County (Great Falls, Herndon, McLean, Reston, WolfTrap, parts of unincorporated Vienna and a slice of Falls Church)

Photo Gallery

Senator Boysko held several session town halls this year with excellent attendance. This is a difficult time for our nation and many of you are looking for ways to work for peace and embrace the diversity of our community. She heard from many people who are concerned about economic stability and progress as well.

 At the ADAMS Center, Senator Boysko met with Ahmed al-Ahmed who was injured when he stepped up to tackle one of the gunmen in an antisemitic terrorist attack on a Chanukah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach that left 14 people dead and more wounded

At the Joint Rules Committee in the General Assembly Building Preparing for Session

Advocates from the Hamkae Center which fights to support and protect immigrants.

Senator Boysko speaking out for gun violence prevention at the Bell Tower Rally.

Legislative Updates

You can follow my legislation on lis.virginia.gov - this is my page: https://lis.virginia.gov/session-details/20261/member-information/S0106/member-details. I’ve added the status of my legislative slate below. Please reach out if you are interested in a particular bill. We take testimony in committees from the public. 

I look forward to seeing many of you in Richmond. Please reach out to me by email at [email protected] if you would like to discuss my legislation or ask that I support other legislation.

SB2 Paid family and medical leave insurance program; definitions, notice requirements, civil action

Status: waiting for docket in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

SJ1 Constitutional amendment; fundamental right to reproductive freedom (second reference)

Status: Passed the Senate! Waiting for a docket in House Privileges and Elections Committee, the House companion bill passed the General Assembly

SB212: TPA-certified optometrists; sale and dispensation of Schedule VI controlled substances; requirements.

Status: Reported from the Health Professions Subcommittee, likely on the full Education and Health Committee docket next Thursday

SB214:  Commission Civic Education; Website

Status: waiting for a docket in the Rules Committee

SB215: Prohibiting employer seeking wage or salary history of prospective employees; wage or salary range transparency; cause of action.

Status: waiting for docket in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

SB216: Guardianship; copy of appointment, termination, or modification order; Department of Medical Assistance Services.

Status: On the Senate Floor, Passed the Senate Courts of Justice Committee unanimously

SB217: National Teacher Certification Incentive Reward Program and Fund; eligibility; incentive grant awards.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Education and Health Committee

SB335: Affirmative Defense or Reduced Penalty for Mental Illness, Neurocognitive Disorder, or Intellectual or Developmental Disability 

Status: waiting for a docket in the Courts of Justice Committee

SB341: Charlie's Law to Protect All Students; private elementary and secondary schools; student codes of conduct; policies relating to bullying and cyberbullying prevention and parental notification; requirements.

Status: passed the Public Education Subcommittee, likely will be heard in the full Senate Education and Health Committee next Thursday

SB343: Charter; Town of Herndon.

Status: on the docket for Monday in the Local Government Committee

SB344: Department of Wildlife Resources; premature separation and hybridization of mammalian wildlife prohibited; exceptions.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee, or referral to a subcommittee

SB348: Storage of firearms in a residence where a minor or person prohibited from possessing a firearm is present; penalty.

Status: on the docket for Monday in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee

SB355: Local anti-rent gouging authority; civil penalty.

Status:  waiting for a docket in the Senate Local Government Committee

SB359:Health care; decision-making; end of life; penalties.

Status: waiting for a docket in Senate Education and Health Committee or a subcommittee

SB373:Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; noncompliance as defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent.

Status: waiting for a docket in Senate General Laws Committee

SB374:  Newborn screening requirements; Gaucher disease.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Education and Health Committee or a subcommittee

SB379: Board of Pharmacy; regulation of psilocybin.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Education and Health Committee or the Health Professions Subcommittee

SB380: Income tax subtraction; broadband grant fund awards.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Finance Committee

SB406:  Virginia State Bar; work group to study the use of nondisclosure or confidentiality provisions in certain settlement agreements; report.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Courts of Justice Committee

SB407: Transportation electrification; integrated resource planning; fast-charging stations; cost recovery by electric utilities.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee

SB409: Assisted Living Facilities; Electronic Monitoring in Resident Rooms 

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee

SB412: Court appearance of a person not free on bail.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee

SB416: Deferred disposition in a criminal case; persons with autism, intellectual disabilities, or developmental disabilities; expungement.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Courts of Justice Committee

SB420: Extreme Weather Taxpayer Protection Program and Fund established.

Status: waiting for a docket in the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee

SB449 Constitutional amendment; fundamental right to reproductive freedom(submitting to qualified voters).

Status: on the Senate Floor, awaiting a Third Reading and Final Vote, expected Monday

SB### Forensic Nursing Bill

Status: filed but not yet posted on lis

Incoming Winter Storm- Be Prepared 

On Thursday, January 22nd, Governor Spanberger declared a state of emergency in anticipation of the winter storm expected to hit Northern Virginia this weekend. 

Total snow and sleet accumulations of 6 inches or greater is possible. Steps, sidewalks, and driveways could be icy and slippery.  Please check in on neighbors who may be in need of assistance and keep your pets indoors.

Traffic conditions may be hazardous and impact commuters. Northern Virginia District VDOT crews will pretreat interstates, primaries, and high-volume secondary roads, along with bridges, ramps, and overpasses with salt brine Saturday and will be out on Sunday.

VDOT suggests delaying all non-essential travel, but if you must drive, reduce speed, increase distances, bring emergency supplies, give space to first responders and VDOT crews, and be familiar with these winter driving tips.  Continue to check the forecast along the entirety of your trip and be ready to change plans if conditions worsen.

You can help keep the roads safe by parking in driveways or on a single side of the street to allow a wider path for plows. Learn more about snow removal by visiting virginiadot.org/snow.

National Weather Service website

VDOT Road Conditions: http://www.511virginia.org/ or the 511 mobile app for traffic conditions and lane closures.

VDOT Report a Road Problem: https://my.vdot.virginia.gov/myVDOT

 More Winter Info from VDOT

Police, Fire, Ambulance Emergency: call or text 911

Public Safety Non-Emergency: (703) 691-2131 | TTY (703) 204-2264

Report and Check on Power Outages: Dominion Energy or call 1 (866)-366-4357 | TTY 711

Washington Gas: 1 (800)-752-7520 or (703) 750-7944 | TTY 711

NOVEC (Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative): 1 (888)-335-0500 or (703) 335-0500 | TTY 711

Fairfax Water: 703-698-5800, after hours: 703-698-5613

Customers can now visit WMATA.com/Snow for constant, up-to-the-minute updates on the status of all bus routes and maps of bus detours. Each route listed will show Regular Service, Snow Detour, or Temporarily Suspended. Customers are encouraged to bookmark the site for future reference.

The New Administration 

At the start of Governor Spanberger's administration, she moved quickly to draft executive orders that signaled her priorities. These orders focused on setting the tone for governance, addressing urgent policy areas, and directing state agencies to collaborate with her. Through this early action, she sought to demonstrate decisiveness and establish a clear vision for the Commonwealth. You can view her executive orders here. 

Encounters with the Federal Government 

In today’s climate, it’s crucial for community members to understand their rights and to be prepared for potential encounters with immigration enforcement officials. Whether you’re a citizen, permanent resident, or undocumented individual, knowing your rights can make a significant difference in protecting yourself and your family. 

I will continue to work to ensure that our communities are welcoming, diverse and provide opportunities for all people to live with dignity and safety. Working together, we can build good lives for our families and our communities. The news of deportations is distressing and demoralizing. We can prepare. 

If you or a loved one encounter immigration enforcement officials, it is essential that you know your rights and have prepared your household for all possible outcomes:

Ask for a warrant: The Fourth Amendment of the Constitution protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. You do not have to open your door until you see a valid warrant to enter your home or search your belongings.

You have the right to remain silent: The Fifth Amendment protects your right to remain silent and not incriminate yourself. You are not required to share any personal information such as your place of birth, immigration status or criminal history. Respectfully say, “I am exercising my right to remain silent.”

Always consult an attorney: You have a right to speak with an attorney. You do not have to sign anything or hand officials any documents without speaking to an attorney. Try to identify and consult one in advance.

Please share this information from the ACLU, available in multiple languages: “Know Your Rights.”  We are also working with the Legal Aid Justice Center which has asked that we share their Rapid Response Toolkit. 

Additional Resources for immigrants:

Fairfax County’s website page for immigrants

Fairfax County Public Schools: Resources for Immigrant Families; Safe, Welcoming, and Inclusive Schools

If you are an immigrant in need of legal services, please visit: https://www.valegalaid.org/issues/immigration

Call Immigration Rapid Response Hotline, Virginia Network, 855-298-3271 in the event of an ICE raid or arrest

For a list of resources provided by the Virginia Department of Social Services, please visit here: https://www.dss.virginia.gov/community/ona/immigrant_services.cgi

Fight Against The Tysons Casino 

For the third year in a row, a Tysons Casino bill  has been introduced into the Virginia Senate. I vehemently oppose SB 756, and will continue to proudly stand up for my constituents in the fight against it. I have heard from thousands of you in our community, listened to your concerns, and agree that a casino has no place in Tysons Corner. As the session continues, I will do everything in my power to kill this bill once and for all. 

This is not a partisan issue. The voters and residents of Fairfax county have overwhelmingly come out against this plan, and are deeply concerned about the ramifications of what a casino in Tysons Corner would mean. In every other case, casino proposals have been brought to the General Assembly at the specific request of the local government representing that community. 

In fact, this past December the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors voted to oppose a casino in Tysons. All of us must continue to work together to fight for our values because there is so much at stake. The gaming subcommittee of the Senate General Laws Committee has reported the bill to the full Senate General Laws Committee. I appreciate my constituents who traveled before dawn to speak out against this bill this morning.

If you want to voice your opposition to this bill, be there to express your objections. Your support has meant more to me than you will ever know. If you would like to get involved further in stopping the casino, you can visit the No Fairfax Casino site and find opportunities to stay involved. 

 Emergency Motion to Defend In-State Tuition for Immigrant Students

Over the holidays, we received news that the federal Administration sued Virginia, claiming that our law that allows undocumented students with ties to Virginia to pay in-state tuition is unconstitutional. I passed that legislation in 2020 - it is carefully crafted to ensure that it is constitutional and treats all students with ties to Virginia in the same manner. Further, the law ensures that all students can work to their full potential. We all benefit when each of us is able to learn and to contribute.

Our new Attorney General Jay Jones is committed to defending Virginia against this attack on our students. Learn more here. Many of our advocates who fought alongside me for this legislation are working together to preserve our carefully crafted law. I appreciate the work of the Legal Aid Justice Center, the ACLU of Virginia, the Hamkae Center, and others who are working to protect the dreams of our students.which are providing pro bono representation in this case on behalf of the Dream Project.  

Constituent Services

For detailed information on constituent services offered by my office, see my website, https://jenniferboysko.com/constituent-services/. Information available includes:

• Resources for Those Impacted by the current federal administration
• Additional Resources for Federal Employees Facing Unemployment
• Help Paying Bills
• Transportation Discounts: 50% Off Metrorail and Metrobus for SNAP Recipients
• Reach Out for Mental Health Support - 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

• Addiction Recovery
• Know Your Rights - Resources for Immigrants

Give Back

Many of you have seen news of  The Walk for Peace - monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center who have been walking since October 26, 2025 from Texas headed for Washington, DC. Their  journey will span approximately 2,300 miles, nearly 20–23 miles per day. Each step is taken with mindfulness, carrying a message of harmony, kindness, and resilience.

Along the way, they have been provided shelter and food by many,  regardless of background or belief. With the compassion of others, The Walk for Peace can unfold with dignity and become a meaningful contribution to all who seek peace.

Here is a link for providing support to the monks: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/donation-form/support-the-walk-for-peace-2300-miles-of-hope. We expect the monks to reach Richmond on February 1st or 2d. We have been working to find them lodging and food and to welcome them at the General Assembly. 

In the News

Virginia lawmakers send reproductive rights amendment toward November vote

Virginia voters to decide on constitutional rights for abortion, same-sex, marriage and more 

Senate takes action to send constitutional amendments to voters

Abortion access amendment clears General Assembly, is expected to go to Virginia voters

Video: Virginia Senate Democrats Advance Constitutional Amendments to the Ballot,

Allowing Virginians to Decide the Future of their Freedoms

Virginia legislators propose Equal Pay Act to help close the pay gap

Virginia Democrats officially roll out affordability agenda

Boysko hopeful this is the year for her "Equal Pay Act"

Events

Monday Nights at 7 pm/Trivia Night at Aslin

We welcome notices about events that are free or very low cost.

Keep in Touch

I’m excited to be back in Richmond for the 2026 General Assembly Session.  During Session, I work with my Chief of Staff Karen Harrison, session aides Toby Anthony and Mallory Lenz, interns from Hollins University - Mary Sheetz and Via Adongo, and interns from the University of Richmond - Morgan Koop and Michelle Bergman, and in District, Kathy Shupe, Juliet Morro, and Aditi Goel. For constituent services and to schedule meetings with your community group, please call (703) 437-0086 or email [email protected]. Friend me on Facebook and follow me on X and Instagram.

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Friends of Jennifer Boysko
PO Box 247
Herndon, VA 20172
United States  

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