Friend,

The General Assembly session wrapped up March 9th, and Governor Youngkin is already hard at work with his veto pen!

However, before we go into what our Governor is amending or vetoing... let's do a recap of our favorite bills this session!

And, just for giggles, we will mention some of the funniest bills as well.

Rally Virginia's favorite bill this session would make it illegal to declaw cats unless it is necessary for therapeutic purposes. HB 1354 was introduced by Delegate Martinez, and his bill is on the Governor's desk with bi-partisan support.

Virginia truly is for lovers! Governor Youngkin signed Delegate Rozia Henson's bill, HB 174, last week, protecting same-sex marriages at a state level. The bill passed both chambers along mostly party lines, but we applaud Delegates Bloxom, Coyner, Green, Owen and Senator Suetterlein for voting in favor of the legislation.

Senate Bill 498, requires schools to notify the community within 24 hours of suspected student overdoses. Virginia lawmakers took the 24 hour notification requirement out of the legislation that's on the Governor's desk. This was a bad bill made right by Governor Youngkin. The Governor will put the 24 hour notice requirement back in the bill, and it will be up to the General Assembly to adopt the changes in order for the bill to become the law of the land.

Delegate Freitas introduced the "pickle bill" House Bill 759 which raises the gross sales annual revenue cap to $9,000 for pickles and acidified vegetables produced in a private home without inspection and with a pH value of 4.6 or lower. The bill which passed both chambers with overwhelming bi-partisan support is also affectionately referred to as the “cake pop” bill. This legislation would also give more freedom to those producing homemade goods with how they advertise them and where they sell them. 

It is up to Governor Youngkin now to take action on this pressing issue facing our Commonwealth.

Delegate Sullivan's HB 644 would have made it permissive for localities to ban or regulate gas powered leaf blowers.

Yes, you heard that right! The need to ban gas-powered leaf blowers is one of the most serious issues facing the Commonwealth. After all, they are bad for our mental and physical health. Not to mention, gas powered leaf blowers are racist! 

Luckily, this bill met it's death before crossover, and our freedom to choose our leafbtlwers will remain for another year.

In our next update we will go over Governor Youngkin's vetos and amendments so be sure to sign up for our latest updates with the link below.

Strengthening our Commonwealth!

RALLY VIRGINIA

LEADERSHIP TEAM

RALLY VIRGINIA and our powerful network of women influence Virginia politics. We are committed to identifying and electing qualified candidates who align with our core principles, and we hold leaders accountable for their promises to their constituents.