State Senate
-
Virginia’s reproductive freedom amendment faces a last-minute roadblock
A challenge out of Bedford County claims HJR1 skipped mandatory public-notice steps. Supporters point to a Spanberger-backed fix and call the case a “frivolous” attempt to stall a reproductive freedom vote.
-
At a Virginia roundtable, advocates warn contraception rights are at risk
At a Monday panel in the Commonwealth, doctors, advocates, and candidates warned that misinformation and new laws could strip away access to birth control for thousands of Virginians.
-
Gov. Youngkin vetoes contraception protections—again
For the second year in a row, Virginia’s governor rejected legislation that would have guaranteed access to birth control. Advocates said the decision continues to leave Virginians vulnerable.
-
Opinion: The Youngkin-Sears administration doesn’t care about us
In March, the Youngkin-Sears administration vetoed commonsense bills that would allow hard-working Virginians to do more than just survive.
-
Opinion: Black mothers of our commonwealth deserve better
Virginia state Sen. Jennifer Carroll Foy explains the need for policies to improve Black maternal health.
-
State Sen. Hashmi of Chesterfield enters 2025 lieutenant governor’s race
Hashmi, a champion for reproductive rights, joins a crowded field seeking the Democratic nomination.
-
Youngkin signs bipartisan hate crime legislation, blocks climate change education bill
The legislation will codify a recommendation that Virginia revise its laws to ensure Jewish Virginians are protected from hate crimes, along with Muslims, Sikhs, and other ethnic groups.
-
Youngkin rejects minimum wage increase, marijuana legalization
Both of these bills were top priorities of the Democratic-controlled General Assembly this legislative session. Youngkin’s vetoes came just one day after his top priority–a $2 billion development district that would have included a new arena meant to attract the NHL’s Washington Capitals and the NBA’s Washington Wizards to Alexandria–fell through.
-
Youngkin vetoes assault weapons ban and other gun safety bills, signs two others
Bills the governor vetoed include one that would have restricted access to assault weapons, one that would have kept guns out of the hands of violent people, and one that would have prevented gun dealers who sell firearms out of their homes from being located within one and a half miles of elementary and middle…
-
VA religious leaders urge Youngkin to sign minimum wage increase bill
The legislation would raise Virginia’s minimum wage from the current rate of $12 per hour to $13.50 in 2025 and to $15 in 2026. Gov. Youngkin has until April 8 to either sign, veto, or recommend amendments to the legislation before lawmakers reconvene on April 17.
