Lee Ware
- Abigail Spanberger Approves Expanded Provisions for Child Custody Relief Petitions in Juvenile Courts
In Richmond, the Governor has given final approval to legislation that broadens the scope of who can seek judicial relief from the care and custody of children in Virginia’s juvenile and domestic relations district courts. The measure, House Bill 73, was approved by the Governor on April 6, 2026, becoming Chapter 58 of the 2026
- 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,
- Virginia School Leaders Sound Alarm on Governor’s Collective Bargaining Push as Taxpayer Burden Looms
The bill, introduced in the Senate by Majority Leader Scott Surovell, seeks to dramatically expand collective bargaining rights to public sector employees, including teachers, police officers, and other government workers. Proponents claim it would address staff vacancies, turnover, and wage disparities by empowering unions to negotiate contracts.
- Don Scott allegedly told Virginia Military Institute board members to resign or suffer state funding cuts
Don Scott, Democratic Speaker of Virginia House, (circled), with Maj. Gen.
- Virginia Lawmakers Exempt Themselves from Their Own Gun Law
Two Virginians. Two handguns.
- HB 384: Championing Small Business Rights Against Outdated Virginia Liquor Laws
The root of this issue lies in Virginia’s unique state-controlled alcohol distribution system through the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority. When a restaurant procures a barrel of spirits directly from a manufacturer, current law compels it to ship the barrel to ABC facilities rather than allowing it to remain on premises.
- Republicans on House Rules Committee Delivers Win for Taxpayers by Defeating Costly Housing Task Force Bill
RICHMOND — The Virginia House Rules Committee’s Studies Subcommittee took a firm stand against government expansion on January 23, 2026, voting 5-0 to lay on the table HB 142, a bill that would have created the Access to Housing Task Force. This action, followed by the full committee leaving the measure in Rules on February
- 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.
- Democrats Imposing Mandatory ‘Fair Housing and Appraisal Bias’ Training on Real Estate Professionals
In a move that expands government oversight into professional licensing, the Virginia Senate has advanced House Bill 170, requiring aspiring real estate appraisers to complete a specific two-hour course on fair housing and appraisal bias before obtaining their licenses.
- 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
- Democrats Block Student with Disabilities Diplomas
As the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session progresses, House Bill 428 stands as a beacon of promise for students with disabilities navigating the challenges of high school graduation. The legislation seeks to establish an alternative pathway to the standard diploma, addressing a critical gap in the current system that often leaves capable students shortchanged due to rigid assessment requiremen
- Virginia Child Psychiatrist Sheila Furey Sounds Alarm on School Sexualization Bill in House Education Committee
Sheila Furey’s speaking at the Virginia House of Delegates underscore ongoing battles in Virginia over what constitutes appropriate educational materials. ‘Highly sexualized content in schools has led to a dramatic increase in pornographic literature and addiction among young children,’ she stated emphatically
- Delegate Terry Kilgore Defends Virginia’s Bipartisan Redistricting Tradition Against Mid-Term Changes
Kilgore highlighted the 2020 constitutional amendments, passed by two-thirds of Virginia voters, which established bipartisan independent commissions for drawing legislative and congressional districts.