The 2024 State Legislative Session: How Will It Impact Fairfax County Voters?
The new legislative session begins on Wednesday, 1/10 at the General Assembly in Richmond, and state Senators and Delegates have already begun filing proposed legislation.
An initial list of bills that have been submitted by some of Fairfax County’s all-Democrat delegation, has been compiled by the Gazette Leader.
What are expected to be some of the more contentious issues? The Virginia Mercury and Richmond Times Dispatch each have predictions.
Locally, news that Sen. Dave Marsden plans to introduce legislation for a casino in Fairfax County has been met with opposition from Reston residents and the Vienna Town Council as reported by the Fairfax Times.
Key dates in the legislative cycle:
Wednesday, January 10 | Session convenes Prefiling ends at 10:00 a.m. Last day to file legislation creating or continuing a study |
Friday, January 12 | Last day to submit budget amendments |
Friday, January 19 | Bill cut-off (last day to introduce bills and certain joint resolutions) |
Tuesday, February 13 | Crossover (last day for each house to act on its own legislation, except Budget Bills) |
Sunday, February 18 | House Appropriations and Senate Finance & Appropriations Committees to complete action on Budget Bills (UVA report will follow) |
Tuesday, February 20 | Amendments to Budget Bills available |
Thursday, February 22 | Houses of origin to complete action on Budget Bills |
Wednesday, February 28 | Last day to act on Budget Bills and revenue bills of other house and appoint conferees |
Monday, March 4 | Last day for committee action on remaining bills |
Thursday, March 7 | Last day to act on remaining bills and appoint conferees |
Saturday, March 9 | Session adjourns sine die |
Monday, April 8 | Last day for Governor’s action on legislation |
Wednesday, April 17/24 | Reconvened session |
Monday, July 1 | Effective date of enacted legislation |
For a look at local priorities for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, see the article by the Fairfax Times.
The start of the new year also brings enactment of new laws. For an overview, read The Patch’s list of notable changes here, https://patch.com/virginia/fairfaxcity/new-va-laws-2024-cannabis-control-hearing-aid-mandate-pay-raise.
Julie Perry: Educator for Virginia Senate
Julie Perry, a Fairfax County Public Schools educator, is the GOP nominee for Virginia Senate in District 36, which includes Centreville, Chantilly, and Greenbriar. “Education is a lifelong passion of mine,” Perry says. “I get to live in my dream job every day, teaching high school World History in Northern Virginia.”
Perry’s education reform agenda focuses on four key priorities: school safety; getting back to basics; combatting learning loss; and defending parents’ rights.
Mike Van Meter: A Life of Service
Mike Van Meter — Navy veteran, former law enforcement officer, and now therapist — is the GOP nominee for Virginia Senate in District 33, which includes Burke and other sections of Fairfax County. After graduating from the University of Florida, Van Meter served for eight years in the Navy as a helicopter pilot, during which he earned a master’s degree in Human Relations from the University of Oklahoma. Van Meter later worked as a D.C. police officer and then served in the FBI for 20 years. Now a therapist, Van Meter specializes in addiction treatment and recovery. He recently earned a second master’s degree, in addiction counseling, from the Betty Ford Graduate School.
Mark Springman: A Bold Voice for Senate District 34
Mark Springman, the GOP nominee for Virginia Senate in District 34, has lived in Fairfax County, off and on, his entire life. After graduating from the University of South Dakota, he worked at the State Department, Capitol Hill, and the National Museum of the United States Army.
Virginia’s 34th District has many advantages, Springman is quick to note. “As a district, we’re missing out on the opportunity to take advantage of the tourist economy of DC,” the candidate says. If elected, he would advocate for improved transit options and partner with sites of historical interest.
Sophia Moshasha: Lifelong Virginian for State Senate
Sophia Moshasha — a lifelong Virginian — is running for State Senate in District 39, which includes the City of Alexandria as well as sections of Arlington and Fairfax. Moshasha’s father is from Iran; her mother is a native-born U.S. citizen who runs a small business in Old Town. “This diverse background has instilled in her a unique perspective and a commitment to inclusivity and opportunity for all,” Moshasha’s campaign says.
Recently engaged to be married, Moshasha looks forward to raising a family in Alexandria. “I want to make sure that my future children will be able to grow up with quality education, safe neighborhoods, and thriving communities.”
Matt Lang: Veteran, Security Professional for State Senate
Matt Lang — a veteran, father, husband, and security consultant — is running for Virginia Senate in District 38, which includes Great Falls, Reston and other sections of Fairfax County. After his time in the U.S. Marines, Lang served as a deputy sheriff in both Fairfax and Loudoun Counties. He currently works in security for a major international aid organization.
Youngkin Condemns Senate Democrats’ ‘Appalling Show of Partisanship’
Governor Glenn Youngkin today released the following statement on Democrats’ partisan rejection of qualified appointees:
“In an appalling show of partisanship, today Senate Democrats attacked the integrity of three highly qualified members of my administration.
“They voted to remove Suparna Dutta, shockingly claiming that a public school parent isn’t qualified to serve on the Board of Education.