Institute for Legislative Analysis

Jeion A. Ward

This bill makes permanent provisions that allow distillers, mixed beverage restaurant licensees, and limited mixed beverage restaurant licensees to sell mixed beverages for off-premises consumption by removing the law's 2024 sunset date. The provision also allows farm wineries to sell pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction toward expanding consumer choice and individual liberties while also removing an unnecessary restriction on alcohol sales.

Expanding Individual Liberties by Making Provisions Allowing Off-Premises Alcohol Consumption Permanent.

This bill establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), tasked with identifying prescription, generic, and other drugs that are offered for sale in the state and conducting affordability reviews of any prescription drug product. The Board is required to set an upper payment limit (UPL) if they determine that the drug has led to or will lead to an "affordability challenge." State-sponsored and state-regulated health plans and programs would be obligated to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to the UPL amount set by the Board. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill represents an egregious interference in the healthcare industry, as pharmaceutical price controls limit access to life-saving treatments and hinders medical innovation.

Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to Implement Drug Price Controls.

This bill rejoins Virginia in the Electronic Registration Information Center (ERIC), an organization that has received criticism for claims of improper data usage, the inability to meet information sharing requirements, and funding by sources otherwise prohibited in Virginia elections. Under the bill, the Department of Elections must pay a membership fee of approximately $87,000 and complete an Eligible but Unregistered (EBU) mailing that would cost taxpayers roughly $200,000 every two years. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill undermines safeguards against voter fraud, which are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Undermining Election Integrity by Re-Enrolling Virginia in the Soros-Funded ERIC Voter Monitoring System.

This bill extends the amount of time from 5 days to 14 days after rent is due that a landlord must wait to begin the legal process to evict a non-paying tenant. Under current law, the eviction process in Virginia takes roughly three to four months. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens property rights and ultimately drives up housing costs for everyone by exposing landlords to greater levels of risk and expense due to tenant non-payment.

Weakening Property Rights and Further Delaying the Eviction Process by Forcing Landlords to Wait 14 Days to Seek Legal Remedies for Tenant Non-Payment (Previously 5 Days).

This bill requires fingerprints to be submitted with an application for a concealed handgun permit or a renewal of such permit. While the bill mandates the fingerprints collected must be destroyed by the state, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) retains these fingerprints for the individual's lifetime. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure threatens the privacy rights of individuals exercising their second amendment rights and imposes a superfluous restriction to gaining a firearms permit.

Implementing Superfluous Fingerprint Requirements on Applicants for Concealed Handgun Permits.

This bill clarifies that an employer may appeal a decision by the Department of Taxation (DoT), stating that the DoT misclassified the employers' workers under state labor law. This may occur before the employer is officially debarred from public contracts with the state. Under prior law it was unclear if an employer had this right. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens due process while also potentially reducing taxpayer costs through increased competition in the procurement process. The private contracting agreements between employer and workers should not be a concern of the state in the first place, but this bill at least helps provide employers with an avenue to contest the government overreach.

Strengthening Due Process by Ensuring State Contractors Have an Opportunity to Appeal an Employee Misclassification Determination Before They Are Debarred from Public Contracts.

This bill creates the "Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Program" to acquire and develop land for private-sector "large-scale economic development projects." The bill requires that these companies pay employees the local prevailing wage. As passed, the bill included the Governor's recommended amendments. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not further expand the size and scope of government to engage in "economic development". The free-market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to foster business growth. Additionally, this cronyism enriches select corporations favored by government, while transferring tax burdens to other businesses and individuals by diluting the tax base.

Growing Government Central Planning Powers and Interference in the Private Sector Through a New Bureaucracy Known as the "Virginia Business Ready Sites Acquisition Program".

This bill reduces the top income tax rate from 5.75% to 5.5% and increases the standard deduction to $9,000 for single taxpayers ($18,000 for married). Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill's broadly applied tax relief expands economic growth by ensuring a larger amount of capital remains in the private sector where it can be better invested. This also boosts the disposable incomes of families.

Expanding Economic Growth by Lowering the Top Income Tax Rate from 5.75% to 5.5% and Raising the Standard Deduction to $9,000.

This bill requires the Virginia Employment Commission to establish a paid family and medical leave insurance program starting in 2027. The bill provides that the benefit amount is 80% of the employee's average weekly wage, not to exceed 80% of the state weekly wage, which is required to be adjusted annually to reflect changes in the statewide average weekly wage. The bill caps the duration of paid leave at 12 weeks in any application year and provides self-employed individuals the option of participating in the program. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this government interference drives up employment costs and may come at the expense of job opportunities, higher wages, and other employee benefits. Employers are already incentivized to provide the highest levels of benefits to their employees to retain their top talent and compete in the marketplace.

Increasing Employer Costs and Reducing Employment Opportunities by Mandating 12-Weeks of Paid Family and Medical Leave Insurance.

This bill implements firearm storage requirements, stipulating that in homes where a minor or person who is prohibited from owning a firearm resides, firearms and ammunition must be in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. Additionally, the bill requires firearm dealers to post such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.

Growing Government Overreach by Implementing Storage Requirements for Firearms in Residences.

This bill requires any landlord of an apartment complex who decides not to renew either 20 or more month-to-month tenancies (or more than 50% of their tenancies) to provide the tenants at least 60 days' notice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure invokes even greater government interference into private contracting agreements while creating additional avenues for frivolous litigation.

Weakening Property Rights by Imposing a New Mandate on Apartment Complexes Requiring 60 Day Notice if They Wish to Not Renew Multiple Tenant Leases.

This bill further expands the types of "consumer transactions" subjected to Virginia's price gouging restriction during disasters. The price gouging restrictions now also apply to transactions such as advertising, leasing, licensing and contract of employment services. Additionally, the bill extends the duration of the price controls by lengthening the period considered as the "time of disaster." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market plays an essential role during times of disaster by properly allocating scarce resources and incentivizing the shipment and production of additional goods to the disaster zone. Anti-price gouging laws - like all price controls - merely worsen a disaster by encouraging hoarding, creating shortages and disincentivizing the flow of additional goods and relief.

Worsening Shortages During an Emergency by Expanding Draconian Prohibitions on Price Gouging.

This bill reduces the tax rate on cigars from 20% to 10% or 30 cents per cigar, whichever is less. The bill is in response to the failure of previous tax codes, which subjected higher cost "premium cigars" to extremely high levels of taxation. Support is the Limited Government Position as tobacco usage is an individual liberty that should not be punished by "sin taxes." While all cigars should be subject to merely the state's standard 6% sales tax, this bill at least serves as a step in the right direction.

Reducing Excessive Taxation on Cigars by Establishing a 30 Cent Per Stick Tax Cap.

This bill allows utility companies to petition the State Corporation Commission for approval of a rate increase to recover the costs of small modular nuclear reactor projects before the project is completed. To protect against boondoggles and other bad investments, existing law required power company to first make the investment and bring the system online before recovering the costs from ratepayers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a blank check for utility companies and nuclear energy companies to enrich themselves at the expense of ratepayers. There have been multiple cases in states such as South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia where ratepayers have been forced to pay billions of dollars in higher electricity costs due to boondoggle nuclear power projects. If such a project is not a worthy investment of a utility company or other investors, it is likely not a worthy investment for ratepayers either.

Placing Virginia Electricity Users at Risk of a Boondoggle by Permitting Dominion Energy to Pass Modular Reactor Project Costs onto Ratepayers Before Project Completion.

This bill creates an avenue for class actions that could not be filed in federal court under the Class Action Fairness Act, meaning class actions with an aggregate amount in controversy of less than $5 million or class actions that only involve Virginia plaintiffs and Virginia defendants. Currently, Virginia is one of two states (Mississippi) without state-court class actions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure encourages frivolous litigation and could create further backlogs in the Virginia legal system, which recently received significant modification.

Increasing Frivolous Litigation and Exacerbating Court Backlogs by Creating a Pathway for Class Action Lawsuits in Virginia State Courts.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances that restrict a consumers ability to access the energy source of their choice, including natural gas, hydrogen, and propane. As a result, the bill would preempt bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the Limited Government Position as several local governments across the country, in order to advance a politized environmental agenda, have infringed on the rights of their residents to utilize natural gas. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - the federal government, the state government, and the individual. It is not the role of any level of government to unduly infringe on the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

The Scott amendment to Item 408 #1h in the annual appropriations bill. This motion blocks the amendment, which adds $10 million to the budget bill to create the Office of Safer Communities within the Department of Criminal Justice Services. The funds are to be utilized "to support holistic, community-based strategies that address the root causes and conditions of community violence." Support is the Limited Government Position as this amendment wastes millions of dollars in taxpayer funds to create a new bureaucracy surrounding community groups and criminal justice reform. Additionally, the so-called criminal justice "reform" agenda has led to skyrocketing crime rates and is being advanced in state legislatures by left-leaning billionaires through their funding of liberal - and even some conservative - advocacy organizations.

Blocking Wasteful Spending within the Budget - Creation of an Unnecessary New Bureaucracy Surrounding Community Groups and Criminal Justice Reform.

The Kilgore amendment 114 #2h to the appropriations bill. This amendment provides $5 million to the Virginia Tourism Authority for the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) 2024 Solheim Cup. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees). The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Adding $5 Million for a Golf Tournament in the Appropriations Bill.

The Scott amendment to Item 4-5.04 #3h in the annual appropriations bill. This motion blocks the amendment, which allows state funds to be used for abortions when the fetus has been diagnosed with certain fetal abnormalities, which was permitted under existing state law. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force taxpayers, many of whom may have strong religious objections, to fund abortion.

Blocking Unnecessary Spending within the Budget - Taxpayer Funded Abortion for Fetal Abnormality Diagnoses.

This bill allows inmates to receive "earned sentence credits" for time served before a conviction, including time spent in state hospitals. The bill also applies retroactively, likely resulting in shorter prison sentences for a majority of inmates in the state. Oppose is the Limited Government position as this bill would likely result in a jailbreak and spiking crime across Virginia. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the public and restore law and order by holding criminals accountable.

Threatening Public Safety by Expanding "Earned Sentence Credits" to Now Count Time Served Prior to Convictions.

This bill, as originally passed, required the Commonwealth Transportation Board to use up to 30% (about $8 million according to estimates in the bill's fiscal note) of the funds available to the Transit Ridership Incentive Program to improve bus passenger facility accessibility and purchase zero-emission public transportation buses and infrastructure. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill designates millions of dollars for the purchase of zero-emission buses in order to advance a politized environmental agenda. While the government should not be operating a bus system in the first place, at the very least, state bus procurement should be based on the most economical vehicles for taxpayers.

Advancing a Politicized Environmental Agenda at the Expense of Taxpayers by Directing $8 Million in Funding for Purchases of Electric and Zero-Emission Public Transportation Busses.

This bill requires state entities to give additional weight to projects in low-income areas and those that "incorporate nature-based solutions" when considering funding for projects under the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund This fund provides loans and grants to local governments for flood resilience projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while this program should likely be eliminated entirely, at the very least, funds should not be wasted to meet politicized criteria. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for Government-Favored Infrastructure Projects in Low-Income Areas.

This bill, the Virginia Small Business Economic Development Act, legalizes pay-to-play machines and permits the issuance of registrations to skill-game distributors, operators, and host establishments. Under the bill, up to four skill game machines are allowed in any facility with an ABC retail license and up to 10 in any truck stop. A 25% tax is imposed on the revenue generated by each machine, with an expectation to bring in more than $126 million. Support is the Limited Government Position as individuals - not bureaucrats - should have decision rights over how to utilize the fruits of their labor - even when it comes to risky endeavors, such as skill-games.

Expanding Individual Liberties by Legalizing "Skill Game" Betting Machines in Virginia.

This bill enables an individual permitted by the Federal government to be in the United States for just a limited duration to apply for an original license, permit, or special identification card for the full eight-year term. Additionally, this bill removes the requirement that driver privilege cards have printed restrictions identical to limited duration licenses, used to distinguish between legal and non-legal resident IDs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Weakening Election Integrity by Expanding Non-Citizens Access to IDs.

This bill allows property owners who successfully appeal a "stop work order" (an order to stop construction) issued by a locality to recover court costs and attorney and witness fees from the locality. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat and dissuade government overreach by holding government accountable for its overreach. Additionally, the bill helps lessen the financial burden placed on property owners due to the wrongful actions of government bureaucrats.

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Localities to Reimburse Property Owners Legal Costs for Successfully Challenging Stop Work Orders.

This bill imposes further costs and restrictions on the sale and use of liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products. Under the bill, nicotine vapor products may not be sold to individuals under the age of 21, with new penalties enacted for underaged sales, including a $10,000 fine and revocation of a distributor's license. The bill also prohibits internet sales of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, except to a retail dealer, and prohibits the sale of such products in vending machines. Compliance checks are required every 24 months on related retailers. Lastly, the bill implements a $0.666 per milliliter tax upon liquid nicotine in closed systems and a tax on open systems of 20 percent of the wholesale price starting in 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction.

Hiking Taxes on Liquid Nicotine Products and Further Infringing Individual Liberties.

This bill prohibits the Governor or any other governmental entity from issuing any emergency rule, regulation, or order that impose restrictions on places of worship that are more restrictive than restrictions placed on other businesses, organizations, or activities. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill protects the religious liberties of individuals during states of emergency. This is particularly necessary following the COVID-19 pandemic, in which many governors across the country restricted religious activities more severely than other types of gatherings.

Strengthening Religious Liberties by Ensuring Places of Worship are Not Subject to Any More Restrictive Government Emergency Order than Any Other Business.

This bill increases the maximum salaries for city mayors and councils (by at least 81%) and allows annual increases of up to 5% for inflation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill massively increases the maximum salaries for elected officials (some over 88%) at the expense of taxpayers. Such hikes are not necessary considering the significant number of individuals seeking the office (elections).

Increasing Taxpayer Costs by Hiking Maximum Salaries for Mayors and City Councils by at least 81%.

This bill eliminates the exemption to the state's minimum wage for farm laborers, farm employees and certain temporary foreign workers. Under the bill, the wage level for these positions is set at a minimum of $12 per hour starting July 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.

Expanding Minimum Wage Mandates to Include Temporary Foreign Workers and Farm Laborers.

This bill would create the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, which would be granted the authority to provide public funds, grants, loans, and other financial methods to speed up clean energy projects. Under the bill, eligible projects must promote clean energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation, focusing on projects in low-income areas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development.

Creating the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to Fund Private Energy Projects.

This bill mandates minimum staffing levels for nursing homes and empowers the State Health Commissioner to impose sanctions, such as restrictions on admissions, and potentially revoke a facility's license for a violation of said sanctions. Oppose is the limited government position as this one-size-fits-all mandate drives up nursing home costs by increasing operating costs for facilities. Instead of imposing new, burdensome mandates, lawmakers should empower the free market to make nursing home care more affordable and accessible by reducing regulations and other anti-competitive measures.

Hiking Nursing Home Costs by Imposing New Government Mandates on Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Levels.

This bill requires each school board to post online a list of all textbooks that will be used in K-12 schools, the standards of learning, and curriculum frameworks. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education is a critical element of a free society. This measure improves transparency and parental oversight of school boards by making it easier for parents to review the curriculum and textbooks used in classrooms.

Strengthening School Transparency and Parental Oversight by Requiring the Textbooks and Curriculum Utilized in Classrooms to Be Posted On-line.

This bill lowers from five years to three years the amount of full-clinical experience required before an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) may practice without a practice agreement. The bill also allows qualified nurse practitioners to attest to qualification of a nurse practitioner. Support is the Limited Government Position as this regulatory relief results in greater access to healthcare and competition which ultimately drives down costs for patients.

Expanding Access to Healthcare and Reducing Costs by Allowing a Greater Number of APRN's to Practice without Physician Oversight.

This bill permits state and local law-enforcement agencies to place and operate a photo speed monitoring device at a "high-risk intersection segment" for the purpose of recording violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these systems have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, many of which place such devices not at spots closest to schools but at locations most likely to catch speeders. Additionally, the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Authorizing "Taxation through Citation" by Allowing Local Law Enforcement to Deploy Speed Cameras.

This bill expands the current law allowing for the establishment of a community revitalization fund to apply to all localities in the state, instead of only applying to the city of Richmond. The fund is used to provide loans and grants for construction, renovation, or demolition of residential structures, infrastructure improvements, and acquisition of blighted structures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to drive residential growth in the state - not central planning by government bureaucrats. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to increase access and affordability to housing by reducing stringent zoning regulations.

Expanding Cronyism and Fueling Wasteful Spending by Permitting All Localities in the State to Fund Residential Revitalization Projects Through Loans and Grants.

This bill allows public utility companies and broadband service providers to leave service and maintenance vehicles on private property without the consent of the property owner for up to 72 hours if being used for service or maintenance, as long as it doesn't block access to the property. Property owners are prohibited from having the vehicles removed during the 72 hour period. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill infringes on private property rights by allowing storage of vehicles on private property without the property owner's consent for an unreasonable amount of time.

Infringing Property Rights by Permitting Utility Companies to Store Vehicles on Land-Owners Property Without their Consent for an Unreasonable 72 Hour Period.

This bill establishes new regulations on the business agreements between soft drink companies and bottlers who sell the products. Under the bill, soft drink companies must now accept the transfer of a bottlers business to another entity and agree to transact with the new entity unless the soft drink company shows in writing the new entity does not meet its qualification requirements. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill utilizes the power of government to interfere in private contracting agreements to provide more favorable outcomes to one party (bottlers) over another party (soft drink companies). Lawmakers should not further expand the size and scope of the regulatory state to interfere in the free market.

Infringing Private Contracting Rights by Imposing New Government Mandates on the Business Agreements Between Soft Drink Companies and Bottlers.

This bill requires the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission to include in their annual report the name of any judge that is determined to have violated the Canons of Judicial Conduct (ethics rules) and received disciplinary action. The specific violation along with the disciplinary action taken must also be publicly disclosed. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps reduce corruption and conflicts of interest by strengthening transparency and accountability while helping ensure government is accountable to the people.

Strengthening Government Transparency through the Public Disclosure of Judges who Violate Ethics Rules.

This bill amends how the State Corporation Commission establishes new energy efficiency savings targets for utility companies. Beginning in 2029, the targets must be set at "the greatest level of energy savings that the Commission finds is feasible and cost-effective." The Commission is required to retain an expert to conduct a study, and utilities are allowed to recover any costs of assisting with the study that the Commission determines to be "reasonable and prudent." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. Utility companies should aim to provide the best service with the lowest rates possible, not focus on advancing environmental and political agendas which ultimately harm ratepayers.

Driving Up Utility Rates by Forcing Power Companies to Meet New Energy Efficiency Targets.

his bill extends any land use approvals (such as subdivision plats) that were approved by a locality as of July 1, 2020 to now be approved through July 1, 2025. The bill is intended to help property owners and developers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support is the Limited Government Position as draconian land use and zoning laws across the state - especially within Loudon County, VA - have infringed on the property rights of landowners and resulted in high housing costs due to the failures of government central planning. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to ensure property owners who have received approval under these heavy-handed regimes are able to develop their land as they planned.

Protecting Property Rights by Extending the Local Land Use Approvals that Were Valid at the Start of the Pandemic.

This bill prohibits health insurers from adjusting premium rates based on tobacco usage, as was previously permitted, along with other relevant factors, such as age. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure - like all other health insurance mandates and price controls - prevents insurers from accurately assessing and pricing risk. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans that are based on elevated risks and loaded with coverage most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Prohibiting Insurers from Adjusting Rates Based on Tobacco Usage.

This bill provides that campground and campsite owners are not liable for injuries that are the result of "inherent risks of camping," such as natural conditions, wild animals, and fires. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces frivolous lawsuits for injuries or damages that are beyond the control of campground owners.

Protecting Campground Owners from Frivolous Litigation by Establishing Liability Protections from Incidents Inherent to Camping that Are Outside of Their Control.

This bill amends grants under the Virginia Growth and Opportunity Act and Virginia Investment Partnership Act. Under the bill, the amount of matching funds required for grants to regional economic or workforce development councils is reduced from equal to just half of the grant amount. The bill also eliminates the limit of $1 million annually for recipients of manufacturing and research and development grants, among other provisions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens corporate welfare and cronyism at the expense of all other industries and taxpayers. The state should eliminate these grant funds entirely and take additional actions to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Worsening Cronyism and Government Central Planning through Changes to the Economic Development Grant Programs which Expand their Issuance.

This bill eliminates permanent absentee voting lists and instead requires voters to apply to vote absentee each election. The bill also directs absentee ballot applications to include a request for a voter's name, date of birth, and last 4 digits of their social security number. Finally, the bill requires mailing of ballots to be discontinued if a voter moves to a different county or city. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud is a critical aspect of ensuring free and fair elections, which is an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic. While no-excuse absentee voting continues to present opportunities for voter fraud, this bill represents a step in the right direction toward improving election integrity.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Eliminating "Permanent" Absentee Voting and Instead Requiring Absentee Ballots be Requested Each Election.

This bill prohibits the usage of aftermarket headlights that appear as a blue light on motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and other personal mobility devices. Lawmakers cited concerns about glare from blue lights as the reason for the ban. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this excessive one-size-fits-all ban unduly infringes on the freedom of automotive enthusiasts to customize their vehicles as they wish. Such a significant government action should only be taken in cases of direct and significant safety implications, not on the basis of preventing a mere nuisance for certain motorists.

Weakening Automotive Freedom by Imposing an Overreaching Ban on Aftermarket Headlights which Appear as a Blue Light on Vehicles, Motorcycles, Bicycles and Scooters.

This bill increases the minimum wage from $12.00 to $13.50 in 2025, and $15 in 2026. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.

Reducing Employment Opportunities and Driving Up Consumer Costs by Increasing the Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour by 2026.

This bill prohibits localities from requiring that a permit be obtained for the use of a residential dwelling as a short-term rental where the unit is also legally occupied by the property owner as their primary residence. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps strengthen property rights and protects landlords against overreaching local regulations that most often restrict competition and drive-up rental costs. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control," our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - federal government, state government, and the individual. It is not the role for any level of government to unduly infringe the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Strengthening Property Rights by Prohibiting Localities from Mandating a Permit to Offer a Residence as a Short-Term Rental.

This bill allows most state agency employees to store a firearm and ammunition in a locked vehicle at their workplace and invalidates any prior, conflicting regulations or rules. The bill does not apply to the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Virginia Port Authority, or a public institution of higher education. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers that do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening the Second Amendment Rights of State Agency Employees by Permitting Firearms to be Stored in Locked Motor Vehicles at Most Government Workplaces.

This bill establishes the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority as a political subdivision to finance the construction of a sports and entertainment campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Under the bill, Authority members would hire independent contractors, enter contracts, acquire property, borrow money, and issue bonds for up to 40 years. The bill is estimated to provide a $1.5 billion subsidy for billionaire Ted Leonsis who owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards and is seeking to construct a new stadium in Potomac Yard. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the free market - not the government - to coordinate and finance the construction of sports facilities and entertainment centers. This cronyism further enriches billionaires such as Leonsis at the expense of other everyday Virginians.

Indebting Taxpayers and Growing Government Central Planning by Creating a New Public Entity to Construct a Sports and Entertainment Campus in Alexandria which will Enrich Billionaire Ted Leonsis.

This bill allows all localities in Virginia (previously only certain counties) to levy an additional local sales and use tax, up to 1%, to fund construction or renovation of schools in the state. Under the bill, the locality must propose the new tax through a referendum. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the state budget already appropriates funding for school construction and this unnecessary measure could subject Virginians to billions in tax increases, while also indirectly releasing funding towards other purposes not related to school construction.

Allowing Localities to Increase Sales Tax Rates to Fund School Construction Resulting in a Nearly $1.5 Billion Annual Tax Increase.

Amendment 103 #7h to the appropriations bill provides $10 million in competitive grants to expand availability of early childcare centers in the state, prioritizing projects using under-utilized space in community colleges. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels cronyism by enriching select childcare centers through taxpayer funded grants. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to make childcare affordable and accessible by reducing onerous regulations.

Worsening Cronyism by Providing $10 Million in Grants for Select Childcare Centers.

This bill creates the "Virginia Power Innovation Fund" to provide taxpayer funds for research and development of "innovative energy technologies." Additionally, the bill enacts a "Virginia Power Innovation Program" to develop a "Virginia nuclear innovation hub" and provide taxpayer-funded grants for purposes such as nuclear research and workforce development. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored energy projects. The free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to direct investment to the most promising and worthy energy projects.

Expanding Cronyism and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of a "Virginia Power Innovation Fund" to Dole out Grants for Government-Favored Energy Projects.

This bill creates an automatic process to decrease a defendant's supervised probation period. A defendant's probation is automatically reduced if they meet one of many metrics such as employment or broadly defined educational activities. Oppose is the Limited Government position as this automatic "one size fits all" process prevents probation officers from properly monitoring criminals, thus severely jeopardizing public safety. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Threatening Public Safety by Reducing Oversight of Criminals Through an Automatic Probation Period Reduction Process.

This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications developed by ByteDance Ltd. or Tencent Holdings Ltd., both Chinese companies, on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps, such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Government-Owned Applications from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

This bill increases from $5 million to $7.5 million the annual cap that can be claimed by a taxpayer of the historic rehabilitation tax credit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill fuels cronyism by enriching government-favored taxpayers and diluting the overall tax base. All state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone.

Worsening Cronyism by Increasing the Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit by $2.5 Million.

This bill allows localities to provide "regulatory flexibility" for an "urban green space," such as city parks, sports fields, and gardens, by allowing reduced permit fees and streamlined permit approval. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while reducing regulations is generally positive, this measure may incentivize localities to impose even more draconian regulations, then provide "relief" through this flexibility scheme. Lawmakers should not incentivize even greater central planning through this new tool that may be weaponized by radical environmental activists.

Worsening Government Central Planning Powers by Allowing Localities to Incentivize "Urban Green Spaces" Through Regulatory Flexibility.

This bill requires Transportation Network Companies (TNC) (such as Uber and Lyft) to submit annual reports to the DMV Commissioner regarding the average fare collected from passengers, the total time driven by drivers while transporting passengers, and the total amount earned in connection to pre-arranged rides. Additionally, the bill requires a TNC to disclose to its drivers details about the deactivation process and provide a weekly summary of fares and breakdown. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the regulatory state, merely serving as yet another government-imposed mandate on rideshare companies.

Increasing Consumer Costs by Imposing New Reporting Requirements on Rideshare Companies.

This bill requires the Department of Planning and Budget to establish a continuous "Regulatory Budget Program" to set a two-year target for each executive branch agency to reduce regulations and regulatory requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should make every possible effort to ensure that any regulations placed on the private sector are of absolute necessity to advance government's core duties of protecting life, liberty, and property. The state's regulatory code is currently chock-full of unnecessary regulations and restrictions that restrict competition and unnecessarily drive up business and consumer costs.

Restraining Government by Implementing a Regulatory Budget Program Designed to Reduce Regulations and Regulatory Requirements.

This bill legalizes "surrogacy brokers" who help connect would-be parents with prospective surrogates for a fee. Virginia is the only state that criminalizes this practice, making it a Class 1 misdemeanor. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction to expanding individual liberties and providing greater options to families seeking surrogacy.

Expanding Individual Liberties and Opportunities for Families by Legalizing Surrogacy Brokers.

This bill requires the Department of Elections to update its list of registered voters monthly by utilizing change-of-address information from the U.S. Postal Service, up until 90 days before a federal primary or general election. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Voter Lists be Updated 90 Days Prior to an Election with Change of Address Information from the U.S. Postal Service.

This bill requires any legislation creating a board, council, or commission within the state legislative branch to provide for its expiration after three years. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens government accountability by providing for the automatic expiration of legislative boards, councils, and commissions, which will help reduce the size and scope of government and lower costs to taxpayers. By providing for automatic expiration, this measure helps eliminate unnecessary boards, councils, and commissions.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Subjecting all Boards, Councils and Commissions within the Legislative Branch to Expiration or Renewal Three Years After their Creation.

This bill reduces the state's effective business tax rate from 6% to 5% while also allowing for new deductions for small businesses. The bill is estimated to provide roughly $450 million in tax relief annually. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill's broadly applied tax relief is the most effective way to drive the highest levels of economic growth in the state by empowering the free market.

Expanding Economic Growth by Lowering the State's Effective Business Tax Rate from 6% to 5% and Providing Additional Deductions for Small Businesses.

This bill creates the "Precision Plastic Manufacturing Grant Fund" to provide up to $56 million in grants to the Denmark-based Lego company to help pay for its manufacturing and distribution facility in Chesterfield County. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism enriches a foreign-owned company at the expense of other small businesses and taxpayers. Instead of this government central planning scheme, lawmakers should have empowered the free market to provide much greater amounts of economic growth by lowering taxes for all companies through measures like HB 2138.

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Woke Corporations by Providing $56 Million in Corporate Welfare to the Foreign-Owned Lego Company.

This bill authorizes localities to establish "Business Improvement and Recruitment Districts" if approved by at least 50% of business owners. Businesses under the district would be forced to pay an additional tax for purposes of "economic development" and recruitment of other businesses to move to the area. Localities may establish a process by which businesses charged the tax may be eligible for a reduction in other taxes they may pay. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not further expand the size and scope of government to engage in "economic development". The free-market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to foster business growth. Additionally, this cronyism places additional unnecessary tax burdens on small businesses and potentially other taxpayers if localities dilute the tax base through other tax reductions for just the businesses within the district.

Expanding Cronyism and Government Central Planning Powers by Creating "Business Improvement Districts" which can Impose Additional Fees on Businesses for Promotion Activities.

This bill directs the Department of Social Services to provide additional information to food banks.  This information includes "outreach opportunities for providing food assistance" under the SNAP welfare program and details on how to enter into a contract with the Department to provide assistance. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not actively work to market and promote the growth of the welfare state. Such actions not only trap even more individuals into government dependency, but further crowds out the charitable and private sector, reducing their ability to care for individuals in need. The private sector is best equipped to help solve the underlying challenges for individuals to become self-sufficient - which government is abysmal at doing.

Growing Government Dependency and Welfare Promotion by Mandating Food Banks Receive Information on SNAP Welfare Benefits Including Contracting with the State for Assistance.

This bill requires all voters to present a photo-id when casting a ballot by eliminating a provision under previous law which allows individuals to circumvent the id requirement if they sign a statement instead. Under the bill, voters who do not present a photo-id will only be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. The bill also eliminates voter confirmation documents, utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, and other similar documents as acceptable forms of identification. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Presentation of a Photo-ID when Casting a Ballot.

This bill removes the prohibition on carrying most concealed switchblade knives, thus allowing them to now be carried in the state. Support is the Limited Government Position as the bill strengthens individual liberties and the ability for individuals to protect themselves and others.

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	8.60	Del	D	87
2023	1.14	Rep	D	92

Year
2024	0.00	14.29	0.00	14.29	0.00	30.77	0.00	14.29	0.00	0.00
2023	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00	4.76	0.00	0.00	0.00	0.00

Jeion A. Ward

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