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Virginia lawmakers delay human trafficking training for short-term rentals
Lawmakers did not advance measures to implement human trafficking awareness training for short-term rental properties, with one patron saying they need to get the language right first. Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, sponsored House Bill 1654, and Sen. Angelia Williams, D-Norfolk, introduced Senate Bill 985. The bills would require property owners and their employees to complete awareness training[...]
Fairfax casino bill appears to be dead, following subcommittee vote
A bill that would have given Fairfax County the right to hold a casino referendum is likely dead for the 2025 session, after passing a vote last week in the Virginia State Senate. Senate Bill 982, introduced by Democratic Sen. Scott Surovell, was passed by for the day — in other words, not passed along […]
Fairfax casino legislation passes in Va. Senate
A bill to allow Fairfax County residents to hold a casino referendum passed in a Virginia State Senate vote Tuesday. The measure will next go before the Virginia House of Delegates for consideration. Senate Bill 982, introduced by Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, passed in a 24-16 vote in the Senate, along bipartisan lines, with some […]
Lawmakers swat down bill to increase THC level in industrial hemp
RICHMOND, Va. — Industrial hemp farmers were disappointed to see a measure killed in the House that would have increased the percentage of THC allowed in hemp grown for fiber and grain cultivation. Del. Nicholas Freitas, R-Culpeper, introduced House Bill 1485 with Del. Tony Wilt, R-Harrisonburg, as a co-sponsor. Legislators voted 12-10 to table the […]
Bills advance to protect state employees who access medical cannabis
RICHMOND, Va. — State lawmakers have advanced bills that would allow public sector employees to use medical cannabis without losing their job. House Bill 149, introduced by Del. Dan Helmer, D-Fairfax, extends to state public employees rights that already exist in the private sector. The bill passed with bipartisan support on a 78-20 vote. Helmer […]
Bills to ensure workers paid sick days failed in Va. House
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly did not pass legislation this session to ensure paid sick days for employees, despite strong public support. A 2021 study by Christopher Newport University found almost 90% of people surveyed support paid sick leave. Both House and Senate versions of the bill updated the current law that state […]
Morrissey’s Petersburg casino bill fails in Senate Finance
Updated Friday, Feb. 3 With an 7-8 no vote Thursday evening, the Virginia Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee killed state Sen. Joe Morrissey’s measure to bring a casino referendum to Petersburg’s ballots this fall. A similar bill in the House of Delegates, however, is still alive. A few days after receiving support from the Senate […]
Newport News delegate plans to reintroduce bill to help tenants facing eviction
Amid rising evictions in Virginia, a state legislator plans to reintroduce an expired public health emergency law which could help tenants pay their rent, although invested parties debate its efficacy. Tenants, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, had a five-day period to get up to date on unpaid rent or vacate the property without having the […]
Youngkin signs bill to conform tax code
This year’s tax season may be a little less complicated for businesses that were granted Paycheck Protection Program loans and Rebuild Virginia grants during the pandemic. A bill that Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed into law Wednesday will ensure that the aid granted through those programs won’t be treated as taxable income. Because Virginia state and […]
Lawmakers debate human trafficking bill
RICHMOND, Va. — Legislators raised a few questions with a measure that would deploy hotel staff to help combat human trafficking. The bill introduced by Del. Shelly A. Simonds, D-Newport News, was heard Thursday in a House subcommittee. House Bill 258 would authorize the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create an online mandatory course […]
