James Leftwich Jr.
- Virginia Legislature Advances Tough Measures on Juvenile Delinquency with HB 123
RICHMOND, VA – In a decisive move to enhance accountability for delinquent youth, the Virginia General Assembly has passed House Bill 123, a comprehensive measure addressing loss of driving privileges for children involved in alcohol, firearm, drug offenses, and truancy. The bill, introduced by Delegate Atoosa Reaser as chief patron, sailed through both chambers with
- Virginia Legislature Delivers Bipartisan Victory for Judicial Safety with Unanimous Passage of HB124
RICHMOND, VA – The Virginia General Assembly has sent a clear message in support of protecting those who uphold justice, unanimously passing House Bill 124 to enhance penalties for assaults against district court temporary recall judges. The measure, now awaiting action from the Governor, adds these dedicated public servants to the list of protected judicial
- Virginia Legislature Delivers Bipartisan Win for Judicial Efficiency with Passage of HB 128
RICHMOND, Va. — The Virginia General Assembly concluded action on House Bill 128 on March 12, 2026, when the House of Delegates agreed to a Senate substitute by a vote of 97-1 with no abstentions. This final step propels the bill, which enhances the certification process for ancillary traffic infractions in felony cases, to Governor
- Virginia Legislature Delivers Win for Educational Excellence the International Baccalaureate Program
RICHMOND, Va. – In a decisive move to reward academic rigor and reduce bureaucratic hurdles, the Virginia General Assembly has sent HB595 to Governor Glenn Youngkin for his signature. The legislation, which incorporates key provisions from HB132 introduced by Delegate Marcus Simon, streamlines graduation requirements for students pursuing the internationally renowned International Baccalaureate (I
- Republican-Backed HB130 Aims to Extend Vital Cancer Protections to Virginia Sheriffs and Deputies
RICHMOND, VA – In a strong show of support for Virginia’s frontline law enforcement, Delegate Mitchell Cornett introduced House Bill 130 during the 2026 Regular Session of the Virginia General Assembly. The legislation seeks to amend Section 65.2-402 of the Code of Virginia, expanding workers’ compensation presumptions for certain cancers to include sheriffs and deputy
- Virginia to Require Religious Accommodations at Public Colleges and Universities
The Virginia General Assembly has passed and the governor has signed into law House Bill 131, which establishes mandates for public institutions of higher education to provide reasonable accommodations for students’ religious beliefs and practices. This legislation, designated as Chapter in the Acts of Assembly for the 2026 session, adds Section 23.1-401.4 to the Code
- Virginia set to Expand Workers’ Compensation Cancer Presumption to Sheriffs and Deputy Sheriffs
Richmond, Virginia — Delegate Mitchell Cornett introduced House Bill 130 in the Virginia House of Delegates during the 2026 Regular Session. The legislation is designed to amend and reenact section 65.2-402 of the Code of Virginia, relating to workers’ compensation and the presumption for certain cancers affecting sheriffs and deputy sheriffs.
- Legislation Authorizing Local Vehicle Noise Monitoring Programs
The Virginia General Assembly has approved House Bill 55, which establishes provisions for noise abatement monitoring systems to be used by local authorities in enforcing motor vehicle exhaust regulations. This legislation adds a dedicated section to the Virginia Code and makes corresponding changes to existing statutes on motor vehicle records.
- Virginia Legislature Enacts Sweeping Prohibitions on Cosmetic Ingredients with HB 122 Passage
RICHMOND, VA – In a late-session move, the Virginia General Assembly has finalized passage of House Bill 122, imposing strict bans on the manufacturing, sale, delivery, and offering for sale of cosmetic products containing specific ingredients. The measure, prefiled on January 2, 2026, by Delegate Karen Keys-Gamarra and ordered printed as offered on January 14,
- Republicans Highlight Fiscal Realities in Debate Over Richmond School Funding and Sales Tax Leakage
Virginia’s local sales tax system directs one percent of the six percent total sales tax to the locality where the purchase occurs. This revenue is crucial for funding essential services, including public schools, which rely heavily on local taxes for roughly half their budgets.
- House Republicans Oppose Expansion of Felony Offenses in HB 438
RICHMOND, Va. – The Virginia House of Delegates passed HB 438 on February 17, 2026, by a vote of 63-33, advancing a measure that broadens the ability of courts to divert juveniles accused of serious delinquent acts from formal adjudication proceedings. The bill, patroned by Delegate LeVere Bolling, amends sections of the Code of Virginia
- Virginia Republicans Unanimously Passes HB433 to Strengthen Newborn Screening Protections
This landmark legislation, titled ‘Newborn screening; evaluation of disorders for inclusion, process for considering other disorders,’ establishes a clear and accountable process for the Department of Health to evaluate and potentially add new disorders to Virginia’s newborn screening program.
- Virginia Republicans Unanimously Advances Extension of Alzheimer’s Commission to Aid Families
RICHMOND – The Virginia General Assembly delivered a strong victory for families across the Commonwealth by passing House Bill 431, which extends the expiration date of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders Commission from July 1, 2026, to July 1, 2029. The measure, sailed through both chambers with near-unanimous support, highlighting a rare moment of