When the Virginia General Assembly convened on January 10, 2024, members were faced with thousands of bills to handle. Now that it is almost the end of January, here is an update on some of those bills that have been accepted and rejected.
Bills rejected
Senate Democrats rejected a Republican bill to roll back the early voting period and reintroduce photo ID requirements to vote.
Senate Democrats also rejected three GOP bills that would have repealed an electric vehicle mandate aimed at reducing carbon pollution.
A Senate committee defeated legislation that would charge drug dealers with felony murder if supply results in an overdose death.
A House panel rejected a Republican proposal to reinstate the death penalty.
Bills moving forward
One of the few bipartisan bills to advance is the bill that bars Virginia’s politicians from spending campaign funds on personal expenses, such as vacations and gym memberships.
Another bill with bipartisan support is the push to raise Virginia’s teacher pay to the national average.