Del. Eric Phillips
It finally feels like spring is getting closer here on Capitol Square and in the district. After weeks of ice and snow, the warmer weather has been a welcome change from the deep chill we’ve experienced since late January.
As the legislative session moves forward, several proposals aimed at reducing everyday expenses did not advance this year. Measures related to vehicle taxes, grocery taxes, and energy costs were set aside for now.
On a positive note, a number of proposed taxes on services such as home repairs and personal care were also paused and will be revisited in a future session. For the time being, those services remain unaffected. Looking ahead, discussions on these topics are expected to continue in 2027.
Redistricting
As mentioned in earlier updates, redistricting remains under review as the Supreme Court of Virginia considers an appeal related to the proposed congressional map. The court has indicated that the constitutional amendment will proceed with a referendum on April 21, with a ruling expected after that date.
The Democrats proposed map outlines 11 new congressional districts with a 10 to 1 ratio. The matter is still being decided, and voters will have the opportunity to participate in the referendum on April 21. You can vote early absentee or in-person beginning March 6 at your local voter registrars office and on April 21 at your usual polling place.
Legislation and Resolutions
In addition to serving on Public Safety and Privileges and Elections Committees, the Speaker recently appointed me to serve on the Transportation Committee. This places me in a key role overseeing legislation related to infrastructure, road safety, and transportation funding which issues directly affect economic growth and daily life in the 48th District. I look forward to serving.
Over the last several years, there have been an unusually high number of inmate deaths and most recently the death of a correctional officer in the Virginia Department of Corrections (VADOC). When a death occurs, the initial investigation is done internally by the VADOC Office of Law Enforcement Services. My legislation HB1508 would designates the Virginia State Police as the law-enforcement agency responsible for investigating alleged serious violent incidents that result in the death of either an inmate or officer. I am proud to say that this bill passed unanimously through the Public Safety Committee and is heading to the full House for a vote this week. Months of work has been put into this legislation, and I look forward to it becoming law.
Crossover This Week
“Crossover” is considered the midway of session and the deadline by which all bills introduced in either the House or the Senate must be approved by the chamber where they were first filed. If a bill does not pass its original chamber by that date, it will not move forward this session.
On Monday and Tuesday of this week, extended floor sessions are scheduled to allow members to vote on legislation that has advanced out of committee. Any bills approved will then move to the other chamber for further consideration.
