The 2025 Virginia General Assembly session officially adjourned sine die Saturday afternoon. A short session (45 days), a delayed start due to water issues in Richmond, and 2,360 bills to be vetted by legislators all contributed to a challenging 2025 session. There were frequently times of contention as hot topics were debated and times of camaraderie working towards common goals in the long hours that Session demands.
In response to the ongoing potential federal cuts in funding to the state and impacts on the federal workforce in the Commonwealth, Speaker of the House Don Scott created a House Emergency Committee on Impacts of Federal Workforce and Funding Reductions to review the potential impact on Virginia’s budget. Today, the legislature also indicated they will amend the operating resolution of the Special Session they are still in from 2024 to be able to meet and address any issues that arise in the next few months. That is likely to occur on April 2 when the General Assembly returns for the Reconvened Session.
Virginia is constitutionally required to have a balanced budget. Saturday, the Senate and House of Delegates passed the HB1600 Joint Committee Conference Report; some key components are:
- $1.1 billion in tax relief, mainly in the form of a tax rebate of $200 for individual filers and $400 for joint filers. This is in place of the Governor’s proposed car tax break for certain income levels.
- A temporary increase in the standard deduction of $8,750 for individuals and $17,500 for joint filers through 2026.
- Removes the cap for schools on how many support staff the state funds and raises per pupil spending with an additional $222.9 million for K12 education.
- A one time $1000 bonus to teachers and a 1.5% bonus for state employees were included.
- $50 million is included for help in regions damaged by Hurricane Helene with another $50 million earmarked for the Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund.
There is the expectation that there will be a record number of vetoes by the Governor again this year on some of the high-profile bills that were passed by the Democrat majorities in both the Senate and House of Delegates. Some of those expected to be vetoed or amended include the following:
- Several gun bills passed in both chambers including HB1876, HB1977, HB2631, SB1110, SB1134, SB1182.
- HB348 a bill requiring one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked.
- HB1625 would eliminate farm workers and temporary foreign workers from being exempt from minimum wage requirements. As well, HB1928 would increase the state minimum wage incrementally.
Governor Youngkin now has 30 days to review and then sign, amend, or veto the approximately 800 pieces of legislation that have passed both chambers. Reconvened Session will occur on Wednesday, April 2 where the legislators will address any actions taken by the Governor.
The Virginia Retail Federation team will continue to keep you up-to-date about important actions and news that arise across the Commonwealth. Should you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out.
Bills by Category
Below you will find a breakdown of bills by category. Those that are highlighted are still active and before the Governor for Signature.
