The 2026 session has now crossed the halfway point, and the House has begun reviewing the bills passed by the Senate. Monday was the longest day of session so far lasting over six hours. The House introduced over 1,500 bills and ended up sending 841 bills down the hall to the Senate chamber for consideration. Most were bipartisan measures addressing the everyday work of governing such as updates to town charters, adjustments to government programs, and other practical matters.
While many bills we oppose have advanced like those infringing on our Second Amendment rights, we have for now successfully stopped the slate of tax hikes proposed by Democrats. The public’s criticism and opposition to taxes on a variety of services from heat pump repairs to haircuts, and more was so strong that Democrats delayed their bills until next year.
Looking forward to this week, the House and Senate money committees met on Sunday to vote on amendments to Governor Youngkin’s budget bill from December 2025. I submitted several budget amendments related to my legislation as well as for the Virginia Museum of Natural History and the Mayo River State Park. Both chambers will be working through each of its budget amendments on the floor this week.
Redistricting
Last week, I provided a map of the Democrats proposed new congressional districts. However, I believe you can see the gravity of this situation by comparing the current districts with the proposed districts. In looking at the new 4th district, what does Pittsylvania County and City of Richmond have in common? This is one of the many concerns Republicans have with the Democratic legislators proposed constitutional amendment that would allow the Virginia General Assembly to redraw congressional districts outside of the normal 10-year redistricting process. If this passes this year, where will it end?
We received news late Thursday that a Circuit Court judge in Tazewell County blocked the April 21 vote on the Democrats proposed redistricting referendum. That ruling has been appealed to the Virginia Supreme Court, but we must continue preparing as though the vote could still take place. For your information, if this referendum moves forward, here is the question that will be on the ballot.
QUESTION : Should the Constitution of Virginia be amended to allow the General Assembly to temporarily adopt new congressional districts to restore fairness in the upcoming elections, while ensuring Virginia’s standard redistricting process resumes for all future redistricting after the 2030 census?”
I am happy to report that four of my bills have passed, three unanimously, the House and are now in the Senate. However, I am disappointed that other legislation important to our district and the entire Commonwealth was either tabled or continued to the 2027 session along party line votes.
• HB1050 Chatham, Town of; amending charter, updating or removing outdated provisions.
• HB1053GO Virginia grants; matching funds.
• HB1508VSP; responsible for investigating alleged serious violent incident resulting in death of an inmate.
• HJ89 Long QT Syndrome Awareness Day.
