Boysko Bulletin: Week Three Report From Richmond

Dear Friend, 

First of all, I hope that you and your loved ones are safe and managing this extremely cold weather and ice safely.  Work in the Senate of Virginia continues.  So far, four of my bills have been approved by the Senate and are on their way for consideration in the House.  

My Senate colleagues and I have been focusing on a suite of bills that address affordability on many levels.  My bill, SB 2, that would create a Paid Family and Medical Leave insurance program in Virginia is up in committee on Monday. I have been working on this policy for close to a decade.  All people should have the ability to take the time needed to care for themselves and their loved ones when welcoming a baby, or care for themselves or loved ones when a devastating illness occurs, without going bankrupt.   

On the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, we considered many gun safety bills presented by my colleagues this past week. These proposals aimed to strengthen protections across the Commonwealth, including measures requiring safety standards within the firearm industry, protecting domestic abuse victims, and expanding firearm violence intervention and prevention resources.

My bill, SB 348 on safe gun storage that has passed numerous times in the Senate over the past four years and was vetoed twice by former Governor Youngkin would require any person who possesses a firearm in a residence where they know a minor or a person prohibited by law from possessing a firearm is present to store both the firearm and its ammunition in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to that individual.  Gun violence is the number one cause of death in children, both in Virginia and across the nation.  Locking up your guns is a common-sense way to help prevent unintentional deaths, suicide, and intentional shootings. It has passed the Senate Courts Committee and has been reported to the Finance Committee for further consideration. 

And finally, I am thrilled to share that on February 2nd, around 3:00 PM, the Buddhist monks will be stopping in Richmond to greet the community as they continue their Walk for Peace to Washington, D.C. This inspiring journey promotes compassion, unity, and mindfulness, while also advocating for Buddha’s Birthday to be recognized as a U.S. federal holiday. The Walk for Peace has drawn large crowds and national attention for its powerful message of peace and healing.  My husband and I practice Vipassana meditation daily and have found the practice to be quite beneficial.

In recognition of this meaningful effort, I am sponsoring SR 18, commending the Walk for Peace for serving as a powerful reminder that peace begins within each individual and radiates outward to families, communities, and nations, including those with whom we disagree. It embodies the timeless values of the Buddhist tradition—wisdom, compassion, and mindfulness—while also honoring deeply held American principles of unity, personal responsibility, and mutual respect.  

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 met with constituents and advocates in her Richmond office this week

 Some of Senator Boysko's bills passed in committee and on the floor this week!

Senator Boysko with advocates for our DREAMers

Bill presentations include testimony from the public - Senator Boysko always includes the advocates who request the legislation

These are just a few of the advocates visiting with Senator Boysko and her staff this past week.

Legislative Updates

You can follow my legislation on lis.virginia.gov - this is my page. 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: will be heard in the Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Monday, February 2nd 

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

Status: Reported to Senate Floor

SB214:  Commission Civic Education; Website

Status: reported to Senate Floor

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

Status: will be heard in Senate Commerce and Labor Committee on Monday, February 2nd 

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

Status: Passed in Senate, waiting for House Committee

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

Status: reported from the Public Education Subcommittee to the full Senate 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 Education and Health Committee and is waiting for a final vote in the Senate.

SB343: Charter; Town of Herndon

Status: passed the Senate; waiting for a House Committee 

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

Status: Will be heard by the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources committee

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

Status: Reported from the Senate Courts of Justice Committee and rereferred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee

SB355: Local anti-rent gouging authority; civil penalty

Status:  will be heard by the Senate Local Government Committee on Monday, February 2nd

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: reported from Housing Subcommittee and reported to Senate Committee on General Laws and Technology 

SB374:  Newborn screening requirements; Gaucher disease

Status: reported from Health Professions Subcommittee to the full Senate Education and Health Committee 

SB379: Board of Pharmacy; regulation of psilocybin

Status: reported from Health Professions Subcommittee to full Senate Education and Health Committee

SB380: Income tax subtraction; broadband grant fund awards

Status: continued to 2027

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 House Floor 

SB812 Victims of crime; reimbursement for expenses; Coordinator of the Virginia Sexual Assault Forensic Examiner Coordination Program; work group

Status: Waiting for docket in Courts of Justice Committee

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

Status: Passed the Senate! Reported to the House Floor

SR18 Commending the Walk for Peace

Status: Passed the Senate

Fight Against The Tysons Casino 

For the third year in a row, a Tysons Casino bill  has been introduced into the Virginia Senate. The bill reported from the Senate General Laws and Technology committee and has been rereferred to the Senate Finance and Appropriations (11‑Y 4‑N). 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. 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.  

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

This Monday, February 2, the monks from the Huong Dao Vipassana Bhavana Center who have been walking since October 26, 2025 from Texas headed for Washington, DC. will be in Richmond. Senator Boysko has a commendation for them honoring their efforts for peace. 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. They have walked through rain and snow and ice. We have found them shelter and food in Richmond. 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.

In the News

Democrats try to ‘balance’ renters’ rights with landlords’ rights in proposed housing bills

Virginia Senate panel advances gun safety bills once vetoed by Youngkin

Va. lawmakers try again on paid sick leave and family medical leave bills

Va. state senator seeks to keep future data centers away from residential areas

Several gun control bills advanced by Virginia Senate committee

Virginia Dems prioritize creation of a state-run paid family and medical leave program

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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