A MEMBERS ONLY PUBLICATION
January 19, 2024
2024 General Assembly, Week 1 Summary
By Nick Clemente, Chamber Vice President, Government Relations
The first full week of the 2024 General Assembly session is in the books. This year, the session is 60 days, and I'll be in residence in Richmond for the duration, working on your behalf. More weekly summaries to come!

In this first weekly summary, I’m sharing an update on topline stories, followed by a recap of the Chamber’s recent Lobby Day and the bills we are tracking. I have broken these bills into two sections: the first includes bills for which I have provided additional information, while the second includes a list of bills I feel you should have on your radar. If you are tracking a bill not represented here, please contact me at nclemente@novachamber.org.
Topline Updates
So far, over 1,800 bills have been introduced. Most remain undocketed; however, as is usual for the long (60-day) session, the pace is picking up. Nevertheless, with narrow Democrat margins in both Chambers, the question for any bill is whether Governor Youngkin will sign it. 

Delegate Don Scott (D-Portsmouth) made history last Wednesday, becoming the first Black person elected speaker of the House in Virginia. His speech is likely to be one of the session's highlights. He gave heartfelt thanks to family members who stood by him during his redemptive rise. Over the past year and a half, the Chamber has enjoyed working with Speaker Scott, and we are excited to continue building a meaningful relationship with him. 

Once again, Governor Youngkin has proposed tax cuts. Most notably, the Administration has proposed eliminating the personal property tax, “the car tax.” But Senate Leader Scott Surovell said the car tax proposal is “dead on arrival.” 

Another major storyline and a Chamber priority this session is Governor Youngkin’s plan to bring the first professional stadium to Virginia. The proposed arena and surrounding development will be the new home for the Washington Capitals and Wizards. According to the Administration, this project would generate $12 billion in new economic activity and 30,000 new jobs. Most importantly, it would require no upfront cash from the State and no new taxes. 

To grow the Virginia economy and diversify our tax base, the General Assembly would need to create a stadium authority. This authority would be empowered to issue $1.6 billion in three sets of bonds at no cost to taxpayers. The revenue generated from this new 70-acre entertainment district would cover the payments of the bonds.

After paying off $2.8 billion in debt, interest, and other debt service costs, the Administration estimates $4.6 billion in direct cash flow to the State over the life of the project. They also project an additional $2.4 billion in indirect economic impact. It is estimated that Alexandria would receive $4.2 billion in direct revenues, with an indirect economic impact of $4.2 billion. The Chamber strongly supports this project and its unique opportunity to create significant economic growth for our Region. 
Metro Update
There are several bills and budget amendments this year focused on WMATA’s long-term funding challenges. Senator Adam Ebbin introduced a bill, SJ 28, to study the long-term funding needs and cost saving measures of Northern Virginia’s transit systems, including WMATA. This has been referred to Senate Rules. In addition, a companion budget amendment is being championed by Delegate Vivian Watts in the House. Furthermore, Delegate Chris Obenshain (HB 1201) and Senator Mark Obenshain (SB 617) have both introduced legislation to strengthen Virginia’s 3% cap rule going forward. 

Metro is a critical part of the multimodal transportation network of Northern Virginia, and the Chamber is working closely with the Northern Virginia Transportation Alliance and our regional General Assembly delegation to seek funding for long-term solutions that put Metro on a sustainable fiscal and operational path. Recently, the Chamber was proud to partner with 20 regional business and civic organizations across Northern Virginia in calling for the Virginia General Assembly to fix our Metro system. See here. 
Lobby Day and Viva Virginia Reception
On January 16th, a record number of Chamber members traveled to Richmond for the Chamber’s annual lobby day. Our delegation had the privilege to meet with 30 members of the General Assembly. We had productive meetings with the leaders in both Chambers, including Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell and Speaker Don Scott. We also met with several elected officials including Delegates Dan Helmer, Charniele Herring, Terry Kilgore, Brianna Sewell, David Reid, Paul Milde, Kannan Srinivasan, Mike Cherry, Wren Williams, Holly Seibold, Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Paul Krizek, Josh Thomas and many more. We also had an opportunity to meet with among others, Senators Russet Perry, Bill DeSteph, Aaron Rouse, Jennifer Carroll-Foy, Chris Head, Adam Ebbin, Angela Williams Graves, Jennifer Boysko, Stella Pekarsky, and Jeremy McPike. 
We were pleased to meet with Secretary of Labor Bryan Slater where we learned about the Chamber’s top priority last session, The consolidation of the Commonwealth’s wide range of workforce programs. This initiative is proceeding ahead of plan, and increasingly, workforce programs are being moved to the new agency Virginia Works. We also met with Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Travis Rickman and Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles, where Secretary Voyles discussed the various agencies from the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) to the State Parks under his purview. In addition, we had a great meeting with Secretary of Commerce Caren Merrick, who outlined the stadium proposal. She also shared that the Administration is on track to create nearly two-thirds of the 400,000 new jobs in Virginia that they promised to create as they came into office. 

Our evening reception, Viva Virginia, was a great success largely due to the support of several of our members, particularly Scott McGeary of Washington Gas and the Chairman of the Chamber’s NOVA BIZPAC. More than 60 elected leaders attended, including LG Winsome Sears. We had a packed house with over 200 people in attendance! 
Noteworthy Legislation
The following are noteworthy bills that are worthy of flagging for our members.

SENATE BILLS

SB 3 State Air Pollution Control Board; regulations, low-emissions, and zero-emissions vehicle standards. Introduced by Sen. Richard Stuart, this bill would repeal the State Air Pollution Control Board's authority to implement low-emissions and zero-emissions vehicle standards. Defeated in Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources, 8-6.

SB 14 Sales and use tax, local; additional tax authorized in all counties & cities to support schools. Introduced by Senator Jeremy McPike. This would allow all counties and cities to impose an additional local sales and use tax not to exceed 1%. If approved by a voter referendum, these funds would be used for capital projects. Referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations. The House version, HB 600, was introduced by Delegate Terry Kilgore.

SB 27 Public School Trades Incentive Fund and Program; created and established.
Introduced by Senator Bill Stanley. This legislation would provide grants on a competitive basis to any school board that seeks to restore high school programs that teach students skilled trades. Referred to Senate Education and Health, Sub-Committee of Public Education. The Chamber Supports this legislation. 

SB 423 Cannabis control; retail market; penalties.
Introduced by Senator Adam Ebbin. This establishes a framework for the creation of a retail marijuana market in the Commonwealth, to be administered by the Virginia Cannabis Control Authority. Referred to Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services.

SB 555 First-time homebuyer tax credit.
Introduced by Senator Angelia Williams Graves. This bill creates a tax credit for taxable years 2024 through 2028 for individuals or married couples filing jointly who sell residential real property that is the taxpayer's primary residence to a first-time homebuyer. Referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations.

SB 624 Public education; student literacy measures.
Introduced by Senator Louise Lucas. This clarifies several provisions of the Virginia Literacy Act. Referred to Senate Education and Health. The Chamber supports this legislation. 
HOUSE BILLS

HB 1 Minimum wage; increases wage to $13.50 per hour effective January 1, 2025. Introduced by Delegate Jeion Ward, this would increase the minimum hourly wage from $12.00 to $13.50 on January 1, 2025, and $15.00 on January 1, 2026. Referred to Labor and Commerce. 

HB 28 Fossil fuel projects moratorium; transitioning energy workers, environmental justice protections. Introduced by Delegate Michael Jones, this bill establishes a moratorium, effective January 1, 2025, on any approval by any state agency or political subdivision to approve natural gas and bioenergy projects. Referred to Rules. The Chamber opposes this legislation. 

HB 37 Loan repayment programs; creates program for mental health professionals. Introduced by Delegate Nadarius Clark. This creates a loan repayment program for mental health professionals in the Commonwealth for at least five years. Referred to Health and Human Services.

HB 335 Employment; determining wage of tipped employee.
Introduced by Delegate Debra Gardner. Under federal and state minimum wage laws, employers are required to make up any deficiencies if a tipped employee does not make at least the full applicable minimum wage for the workweek. Referred to Labor and Commerce. The Chamber Opposes this legislation.

HB 570 Prescription Drug Affordability Board; established, drug cost affordability review, report. Introduced by Delegate Karrie Delaney and referred to Health and Human Services. While we support policies that increase access and affordability to medicines, we oppose government price setting. We fear it will increase companies’ ability to raise capital for R&D. Furthermore, to remain competitive, our research facilities, universities, and innovative businesses must continue working together to bring new products and technologies to the market faster. Senate version, SB 274 introduced by Senator Creigh Deeds. The Chamber opposes this bill.

HB 800 Public service companies; pole attachments; cable television systems and telecommunications. Introduced by Delegate Charniele Herring. This bill will expand broadband access to all Virginians, which is a top priority for the Chamber. Therefore, we support this legislation.

HB 1125 Virginia Business Ready Expedited Permitting Program; established.
Introduced by Delegate Betsy Carr. This would direct the Virginia Economic Development Partnership Authority to designate up to three sites and seven projects for participation in the Program. 

HJ 2 Constitutional amendment; qualifications of voters, right to vote, persons not entitled to vote. Introduced by Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, this bill would automatically restore rights once individuals have completed their sentences for felonies. 

HJ 24 Study; joint subcommittee; Dillon Rule; report. Introduced by Delegate Dan Helmer. Creates a 13-member joint subcommittee for a one-year study of the Dillon Rule and its impact on Virginia's localities. SJ 18 is introduced by Senator Ghazala Hashmi.
Senate Bills
House Bills
CONCLUSION
This week, I cast a wide net to ensure all issues that could impact Chamber members were noted. As we progress, some bills will require more detailed updates; others will die. If anyone has any questions or concerns or would like to participate in the weekly update calls on Friday at 8:30 AM, please contact me! 

Sincerely,

Nick Clemente
WE ADVOCATE ON YOUR BEHALF
To find out more about the Chamber's advocacy work, visit us online or contact Nick Clemente, Chamber Vice President, Government Relations, at nclemente@novachamber.org with any questions or concerns.
Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce
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