RALLY VIRGINIA Friend,

Session is almost behind us, and with less than a week left there is always something to talk about!

A historic amount of Republican bills (OVER ONE HUNDRED) were not docketed for a hearing in the House, leaving constituents across the Commonwealth without a voice this year. All thanks to Speaker Don Scott (D)!!!

One such bill, HB1855, introduced by Delegate Arnold (R), would have increased the penalties for bomb threats to schools and places of worship. Unfortunately, according to Delegate Laura Cohen (D), "some things just don't make the cut."

There is also a lot of infighting going on the Dem side.

The House Democrats and Senate Democrats and are in the process of killing each other's bills, several with bipartisan support because they are mad at different members of the chamber across the hall.

Is this any way to run our Commonwealth?

However, the biggest feud is between Senate Majority Leader, Senator Scott Surovell (D) and fellow Democrat Senator, Jennifer Boysko. Senator Boysko openly spoke out against the Tysons Casino bill. The cost you ask? Her Chairmanship on Senate Transportation and removal from the POWERFUL Rules Committee. Probably a primary challenge as well in 2027, but time will tell on that one. This is a great example of Democrats eating their own.

Senator Ryan McDougle's, Senate Bill 746 would make drug dealers guilty of felony homicide when distributing drugs laced with fentanyl that resulted in the killing of a minor. However, an amendment was added to the bill on the House floor that changed the crime to a manslaughter. The bill will go to conference, and hopefully the crime will be reinstated to felony homicide. Regardless of the outcome, the passage of this bill will help fight the Fentanyl crisis.

House Bill 2404 added clarifying language to ensure driveways were included for disabled veterans who receive tax relieve on their property. The bill was introduced by Delegate Phillip Scott (R), and was initially killed by a Finance subcommittee in the House, but then was eventually revived and passed the House unanimously. Unfortunately, the bill met its death once again in Senate Finance, most likely because the patron was Republican.

Well, that's it for insights for now, but be sure to sign up for our updates and events 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.