Institute for Legislative Analysis

Richard H. Stuart

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 requires the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation regulatory boards to recognize occupational licenses and certificates held in other states to satisfy Virginia requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as the private sector, via certifications, rating systems, and the free market, is much better equipped to provide consumer protection while also ensuring competition and low consumer costs. Most government licensing entities are overly restrictive and are largely advocated by special interests seeking to restrict competition in the marketplace.

Reducing Unnecessary and Excessive Barriers to Employment by Allowing the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation to Recognize Work Licenses from Other States.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate concerning mental health. It requires all healthcare policies offered in the state to provide coverage for "mobile crisis response services" and "support and stabilization services provided in a residential crisis stabilization unit". Furthermore, the coverages provided for these services must be equal as in-office settings. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that 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 Insurance Premiums by Mandating all Insurance Plans Now Provide Coverage for "Mobile Crisis Response Services" Concerning Mental Health.

This bill allows surgical assistants to immediately practice for up to 6 months following graduation from a training program while awaiting the results of a national certification examination. The bill also provides additional pathways for surgical technologists to satisfy educational requirements, including apprenticeship programs and hospital training programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat hospital staffing shortages by providing regulatory flexibility and reducing barriers to employment.

Combatting Hospital Staffing Shortages by Permitting Surgical Assistants to Begin Practice Immediately Following Graduation from a Training Program Under Certain Conditions.

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.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Permitting Most Switchblade Knives to be Carried Concealed within the State.

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 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 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 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 creates the "Cloud Computing Cluster Infrastructure Grant Fund" to provide grants to companies that invest at least $50 billion and create at least 1,500 full-time jobs. Additionally, the bill allows for an extension of the sales and use tax exemption for computer equipment and enabling software used in data centers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism enacted under this measure provides special benefits and advantages to certain industries and individuals - such as Amazon and Jeff Bezos - while shifting tax burdens onto small business and other taxpayers.  Instead, lawmakers should instead provide a broad tax cut across all industries, which will allow the free market to provide far greater job and business growth.

Expanding Cronyism by Providing Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Corporate Welfare to Amazon and Jeff Bezos through the Extension of the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption.

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.

Governor recommendation to bill allowing Dominion Energy to pass modular reactor project costs onto ratepayers. The governor recommended version lowers the maximum monthly bill increase of the utility's typical residential customer from $1.75 to $1.40 per month. Support is the Limited Government Position as this change is a step in the right direction to protecting ratepayers from higher electricity rates and a potential boondoggle caused by the underlying bill.

Slightly Reducing Higher Energy Rates by Lowering Maximum Monthly Bill Increase for Modular Reactor Project Costs from $1.75 to $1.40 Per Month.

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 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.

This bill prohibits electric, gas, water, and wastewater utilities from disconnecting service to a residential customer for nonpayment of bills or fees during a state of emergency or in extreme temperatures. The bill also prohibits disconnecting service on Fridays, weekends, state holidays, and the day before a state holiday, with notification requirements for customers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the rates utility companies charge are all set by the SCC and based on utility company operating costs. This measure further drives up operating costs by limiting the ability of utilities to disconnect for non-payment, thus leading to higher utility bills for all customers.

Hiking Utility Costs by Further Limiting the Ability of Utility Companies to Disconnect Services for Non-Payment.

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 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 places an additional mandate on drug manufactures. Under federal law, manufactures are forced to provide a certain amount of their drugs at below market rates (aka 340B-covered drugs). Under this bill, in order to obtain a state permit, a manufacture may now also not limit the number of contract pharmacies or covered entities that the manufacture provides 340B-covered drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government interference in the marketplace and enriches pharmacies by extorting drug manufactures.

Extorting Drug Manufacturers by Forcing them to Expand their Distribution of Discounted Drugs (340B-Covered) to Pharmacies in Order to Operate in the State.

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 requires all health insurance policies offered in the state to provide coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices without any deductible or cost-sharing requirement. Health insurers were previously required to "offer and make available" such coverage, but this bill requires the coverage be "provided." At least one version of contraceptive drugs and devices must be covered at no cost, though insurers must also cover at no cost a drug or device if recommended by a healthcare provider based on an individual's "medical need." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control on co-payments prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that 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 Mandating Insurers Provide Contraceptive Drugs and Devices to Enrollees at No Cost or Co-Pay.

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 would require "unconscious bias and cultural competency training" to be added to the continuing education requirements for the renewal of licensure under the authority of the Board of Medicine. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as medical professionals should not be forced to undergo politized indoctrination in order to obtain licensure. This measure is largely designed to enrich leftist entities which provide such a service.

Forcing Medical Professionals to Undergo Politicized Bias and Cultural Competency Training in Order to Renew their Licenses.

This bill creates a misdemeanor crime for the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of "assault firearms" and high-capacity magazines made after July 1. Additionally, the bill creates a new rule banning anyone under the age of 21 from buying or possession "assault weapons" regardless of the manufacture date. 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.

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Prohibiting the Sale of "Assault Firearms".

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 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 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 largely bans the ability of individuals to build their own firearms by criminalizing the import, purchase, sale, or transfer of any unfinished frame or receiver, or any firearm without a valid serial number. 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.

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Banning Home-Crafted Firearms.

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 triples the financial penalties for violations of local zoning ordinances relating to "nonpermitted commercial uses". Localities across the Commonwealth - especially Loudon and Prince William Counties - are known to have some of the most restrictive zoning ordinances in the country. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, like all government central planning attempts, many of the zoning and land use ordinances enacted across Virginia are overreaching and infringe property rights in the interest of benefitting politically connected developers and landowners. This bill merely serves to intimidate property owners with excessive penalties, and further fuel the government overreach.

Infringing Property Rights by Increasing Penalties for Violations of Virginia's Draconian Local Zoning Ordinances.

This bill permits localities to adopt a "healthy communities' strategy". This includes identifying major sources of pollution, identifying policies to mitigate health risks to residents caused by pollution, promoting civic engagement, broadband access, job training, digital literacy, and more. The program may also identify policies that encourage public transit. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the size and scope of government and will likely lead to the infringement of property rights. 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.

Providing Localities with Superfluous Authority to Adopt Healthy Communities' Strategies.

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 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 requires a mandatory hearing to review reducing sentences for individuals currently incarcerated or on community supervision for felony marijuana convictions. In Governor Youngkin's veto letter, he highlights that dozens of violent offenders, including those convicted for first and second-degree murder, kidnapping, and robbery, would be eligible for a reduced sentence under this proposal, along with hundreds of inmates convicted of fentanyl crimes and felony distribution to minors. Oppose is the Limited Government position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. 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 Mandating Incarcerated Felons Receive a Hearing to Shorten their Sentence.

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, 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 establishes a "first-party bad faith law" in Virginia. As a result, an automobile insurer is liable for a double payout of damages, lost income and legal costs to the policy holder if the insurer denies a claim and later found by a court to be liable for the claim and acting in bad faith. A similar policy has been enacted in just a handful of other states and is estimated to increase VA insurance premiums by 14%. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure incentives frivolous litigation and enriches trial lawyers, while making automotive insurance much more costly for all Virginians.

Hiking Auto Insurance Premiums Through a "First-Party Bad Faith Law" which may Subjects Insurers to Double Payouts to Policy Holders.

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 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 expands the list of prohibited retaliatory actions by a landlord against a tenant for actions such as complaining of a housing violation to a government agency, making a complaint to the media, or filing an action against a landlord for violation of the lease or laws. Under the bill, retaliatory actions can now include increasing rent or fees, selectively decreasing services, threatening or harassing the tenant, and more. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill ultimately drives up rental rates by exposing landlords to new risk. This measure provides a new tool that devious tenants may utilize to extort landlords through frivolous allegations.

Increasing Housing Costs by Superfluously Expanding List of Prohibited Retaliatory Actions by Landlords.

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 prohibits the sale of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, such as e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA. 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.

Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Vapor Products Not Authorized by the FDA.

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 requires a crew of at least two qualified individuals (union workers) on all trains, locomotives, or light engines used in connection with moving freight. Oppose is the Limited Government Provision as this bill serves to enrich labor unions through costly and unnecessary mandates on the rail industry. Such measure also hinders future railway automation which lowers consumer costs.

Hiking Freight Costs and Enriching Unions by Mandating Minimum Crew Requirements on Railroads.

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 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 expands Virginia's overtime law to now include domestic service workers who reside in the household. Domestic workers must be paid an overtime premium at a rate of at least 1.5 times the employee's regular rate for hours worked more than 40 hours in any one work week. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as employees and employers should be free to negotiate their own employment agreements and terms of compensation without undue interference by government. Domestic workers typically receive many other non-traditional benefits such as housing, food, transportation access, etc. This bill will likely result in many families no longer being able to financially support caregivers for children, aging parents, etc.

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Caregivers and Hiking Costs for Families by Expanding Overtime Requirements to Cover Domestic Service Workers.

This bill no longer requires a tenant to deposit the rent they owe into a court escrow account before they file a noncompliance case against a landlord. Under prior law, a tenant alleging noncompliance such as lack of hot water or a rodent infestation had to first place any outstanding rent into the account prior to filing. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels frivolous claims by devious tenants seeking to abuse the system in order to avoid paying rent. Such a measure also creates further backlogs in the Virginia legal system.

Creating a New Rent Avoidance Loophole for Devious Tenants by No Longer Requiring a Tenant to Deposit Owed Rent into an Escrow Account to File a Noncompliance Case Against a Landlord

This bill requires state agencies to report "diversity, equity, and inclusion goals" to the Governor's Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and the General Assembly. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all government actions should be based on producing the maximum return and value for taxpayers, not advancing political or social agendas.

Wasting Taxpayer Resources by Requiring State Agencies to Submit Politicized Annual Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Reports.

Under current law, only U.S. citizens qualify for positions of chief of police, police officer, deputy sheriff, jail officers, and law-enforcement officer. This bill allows non-citizens who have been granted Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) by Immigration Services to qualify for such positions. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as ensuring public safety is arguably one of the most important roles of government. Service in law enforcement means upholding and enforcing the laws of the nation; non-citizens have not made the necessary oaths to support and defend the Constitution or their allegiance to the United States.

Weakening Public Safety by Allowing Non-Citizens to Serve in Law Enforcement.

This bill prohibits any person, other than manufacturers, dealers, and importers, from selling or purchasing an unfinished firearm frame or receiver if it does not have a serial number. This measure has the largest impact on individuals who construct their own home-made firearms and hobbyists who trade parts. 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 imposes unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers that do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Infringing Second Amendment Rights through an Overreaching New Ban on So-Called "Ghost Guns" and Components which Limit the Ability of Hobbyists to Construct their Own Firearms.

This bill authorizes local governments to issue bonds (debt) to build and run "entertainment arenas" for activities such as concerts and sporting events. The projects are said to be funded through sales tax revenue generated at the facility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as building and managing entertainment facilities is not one of the limited functions of government. Additionally, this measure places taxpayers at risk via bond issuance, especially if such facility does not generate the expected amount of revenue. The private sector and free market is the best mechanism to determine the need and provide investment for entertainment facilities.

Growing the Size and Scope of Government and Indebting Taxpayers by Authorizing Government to Build "Entertainment Arenas" Funded through Sales Tax Revenue.

This bill allows localities to impose ordinances that prevent property owners from developing their land (commercial, industrial, and multifamily residential housing) unless the structures contain electric vehicle charging stations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government politicians and bureaucrats - are best equipped to determine the need, placement and amount of electric vehicle charging stations and infrastructure. This bill will lead to even more draconian land use and zoning laws across the state - such as Loudon County, VA - which infringe on the property rights of landowners.

Authorizing Localities to Further Infringe Property Rights through Electric Vehicle Charging Mandates as Part of Land use Approval for New Developments.

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 Extending from 5 Days to 14 Days the Amount of Time Before a Landlord May Seek Legal Remedies for Tenant Non-Payment.

This bill expands the authority of the Clean Energy Advisory Board and directs the board to apply for federal funding under the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund to expand solar energy and energy efficiency projects. Additionally, the bill now authorizes grants and increases rebate payout amounts under the Low-to-Moderate Income Solar Fund and Program for solar energy installation and energy efficiency projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government interference in the energy market while significantly driving up taxpayer costs at both the state and federal level in order to advance a politicized environmental agenda.

Advancing a Politicized "Environmental Justice" Agenda by Further Empowering the Clean Energy Advisory Board and Directing More Taxpayer Funds to Solar and Greenhouse Gas Initiatives.

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 bans "assault firearms" and "large capacity" (more than 10 rounds) magazines manufactured on or after July 1, 2023. 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. Additionally, as congressionally mandated studies on the previous federal assault weapon ban concluded, the ban had no impact in curbing violent crime, as these bans do not deter criminals from continuing to engage in unlawful behavior.

Infringing Second Amendment Rights by Banning So-Called "Assault Firearms" and High-Capacity Magazines Manufactured After July 1, 2023.

This bill accelerates the timeline that a public utility must construct an off-shore wind facility from 2034 to 2032. Additionally, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) must account for the projects "positive economic impacts and workforce development" when reviewing requests for cost recovery by a utility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill unnecessarily hikes the costs of electricity for families and businesses in Virginia. Electricity procurement should be obtained from the most cost-effective sources to ensure the lowest costs for customers. Additionally, forcing the SCC to consider irrelevant factors in cost recovery merely enrich utility companies at the expense of customers.

Hiking Electricity Rates and Enriching Utility Companies by Accelerating Off-Shore Wind Construction.

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 directs the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to adopt "limitations" on the ability of investor-owned utilities to disconnect services for nonpayment. Under the bill, utilities are forbidden from terminating service in cases where the Governor has declared a state of emergency due to a communicable disease public health threat, "during temperature weather extremes," or on a Friday, weekend, holiday, or the day before a holiday. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the rates utility companies charge are all set by the SCC and based on utility company operating costs. This measure further drives up operating costs by limiting the ability of utilities to disconnect for non-payment, thus leading to higher utility bills for all customers.

Hiking Utility Costs by Further Limiting the Ability of Utility Companies to Disconnect Services for Non-Payment

This bill allows the Attorney General to designate up to 30 members of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit as sworn investigators. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves the ability to investigate potential Medicaid fraud, which, combined with Medicare fraud, costs taxpayers across the nation more than $100 billion annually.

Strengthening Government Integrity by Increasing the Ability of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit to Investigate Fraud Within the Welfare Program.

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 creates the "Electric Vehicle Rural Infrastructure Program" to provide up to $25 million in grants annually to cover 70% of the costs for developers to install electric vehicle charging stations in "distressed localities" to benefit owners of electric vehicles. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers should not be forced to fund the amenities of individuals who choose to purchase electric vehicles. It is a role of the private sector - not government - to fund such infrastructure, and this cronyism merely enriches select companies who construct these stations. The state must pursue every available avenue to reign in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Advancing a Politicized Electric Vehicle Agenda by Forcing Taxpayers to Provide $25 Million Annually to Select Developers for Electric Vehicle Charging Stations.

This bill allows property owners to sue and recover damages from local land use and zoning boards. The bill applies to cases where the enforcement action of a locality was "based upon a willful disregard for applicable law, regulation, or ordinance." 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 by providing property owners some protection and ability to combat government overreach.

Ensuring Compensation for Property Owners who are Victim to Unlawful Actions by Land Use and Zoning Authorities. 

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, known as the Affordable Energy Act, returns power to the State Corporation Commission (SCC) to review the base rates of utility companies, such as Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power, to ensure they are "just and reasonable". The bill is in response to studies that found the utility companies (government granted monopolies) have overcharged customers by nearly $2 billion. Support is the Limited Government Position as utility companies, which are granted government monopoly powers, should receive heavy review and scrutiny from regulators to ensure they are operating most efficiently and not enriching themselves at the expense of families and businesses through higher electricity rates.

Protecting Electricity Customers by Returning Power to the SCC to Review Rates and Provide Greater Oversight of Dominion Energy and Appalachian Power.

This 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 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 requires any landlord who owns more than four rental units to provide written notice to tenants of any increase in rent at least 60 days before the end of a rental agreement. 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.

Infringing Private Contracting Rights through a New Government Mandate Requiring at Least 60 Days' Notice Prior to a Rent Increase for Residential Units.

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 prevents businesses and organizations from offering disabled individuals employment opportunities that are below the state's $12 an hour minimum wage. Under the bill, the state's sub-minimum wage exceptions are eliminated, thus preventing anyone from performing services and being compensated less than $12 an hour. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill will likely decimate employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities as well as harm the ability of non-profit organizations to provide critical work-based social settings. The minimum wage - like all government price controls - prices individuals out of the market whose skills do not match the state's lofty wage and other employee benefit mandates.

Harming Social and Employment Opportunities for Individuals with Disabilities by Eliminating the Sub-Minimum Wage and Forcing them to Compete at the State's Lofty $12 Minimum Wage.

This bill requires the Department of Social Services to develop an information sheet on SNAP welfare benefits and provide it to school boards. Each school board must ensure that both the information sheet and a free/reduced-price school meal application are sent home with each student at the beginning of the school year. 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 crowd out the role of the charitable and private sector to care for such individuals and help them solve the underlying challenges to become self-sufficient - which government is abysmal at doing.

Growing Government Dependency and Welfare Promotion by Mandating Every School Student is Sent Home with an Application to Obtain Free or Reduced-Price Meals.

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 prohibits any public elementary or secondary school student from being suspended or expelled from school without first implementing at least one "evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice," such as community service, mentoring, and peer mediation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens educational outcomes for all students by making it more difficult to remove individuals who threaten the safety of other students and disrupt productive learning environments.

Jeopardizing Student Safety and Effective Learning Environments by Implementing Barriers to Expelling Students for Violent and Threatening Behavior.

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.

This bill directs the Department of Education to establish a farm to school program task force to work with local school boards, community organizations, and farmers to increase such programs across the state. These programs are designed to increase school purchases of food grown in Virginia, which increases taxpayer costs by forgoing less expensive options. The bill allows the department to "appoint such members as it deems necessary or appropriate." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill further grows government bureaucracy and will likely lead to additional government spending in future years.

Increasing Bureaucracy and Taxpayer Costs by Creating an Unnecessary New Position within the Department of Education to Implement the Farm to School Program Task Force.

This bill requires the State Corporation Commission to establish a "shared solar program" for Appalachian Power Customers. This program, typically for customers who do not have the room to install solar panels on their residences, allows them to instead purchase power through a subscription in a solar facility that is constructed in a non-urban location. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this program, like similar "net-metering" solar subsidy schemes, fails to account for the significant power transmission costs and other operational expenses incurred by utility companies. As a result, these costs are transferred onto all other power customers through higher electricity rates, placing unnecessary additional financial burdens onto businesses and families across the region.

Hiking Electricity Rates for Appalachian Power Customers Through the Creation of a "Shared Solar Program".

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 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 stipulates that when a defendant is taken into custody for an alleged technical (probation) violation the court may not impose more than 14 days of active incarceration. If a decision has not been made within 14 days, bail must be provided, regardless of if the defendant is a flight risk or likely to re-offend based on past behavior. Oppose is the Limited Government position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. 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.

Year	Score	Role	Party	Dist.
2024	70.65	Sen	R	25
2023	73.33	Sen	R	28

Year
2024	100.00	55.56	100.00	85.71	100.00	50.00	100.00	53.85	30.00	83.33
2023	—	57.14	—	44.44	100.00	77.27	100.00	75.00	45.45	78.57

Richard H. Stuart

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