Our Impact
Virginia General Assembly
Virginia Retail Federation
OUR PROCESS
At Virginia Retail Federation, we are your dedicated advocates in the complex world of legislative policies in Virginia. Year after year, our vigilant lobbyists closely monitor and inform legislators about the potential effects of various legislation, from employer mandates to industry-specific taxes and private cause-of-action lawsuits. Through collaboration and transparent reporting, we actively shape policies to support your business, ensuring that your voice is heard. Belonging to our network of local businesses offers you access to the resources and knowledge needed to navigate the legislative landscape with confidence. Join us in securing a bright future for your business in Virginia.
2024 Virginia General Assembly
The 2024 General Assembly Session in Virginia presents a unique and complex legislative landscape, as all 140 state legislative seats were up for election, and redistricting brought substantial changes to many districts. This transformation means that a considerable number of new faces are making crucial decisions that directly impact local and small businesses.
At the Virginia Retail Federation, we recognize the vital importance of having a strong voice represented at the General Assembly to ensure the continued success of businesses throughout the state. Our dedicated lobbyists are actively navigating this dynamic environment, providing expert advocacy and insight to help safeguard the interests of Virginia’s business community, particularly as we face the challenges posed by the changing legislative landscape.
Historically Tracked Legislation
Organized Retail Crime
Felony Larceny Threshold
Employer Mandates
Paid & Unpaid Leave
Sales Tax Increases
Our Philosophy
The Virginia Retail Federation’s core belief is that business owners should prioritize a safe, fair, and respectful work environment for their employees while having the ability to safeguard their business and employees from harmful practices or risks. Many businesses genuinely aim to excel in these aspects, but certain regulations can become excessively burdensome, adding extra costs and administrative complexities. Therefore, our advocacy centers on granting businesses greater autonomy and reducing undue burdens, especially for small businesses in Virginia.
Bills Tracked
Years at the Virginia General Assembly
Major Legislation
Organized Retail Crime (ORC)
Established the crime of organized retail theft, making it a serious offense for people who steal retail items with the intent to sell them for profit, receive stolen retail property, or engage in schemes with others to transfer or sell stolen property from retail stores. Learn More
Felony Larceny Threshold
Proposed to lower the threshold for grand larceny from $1,000 to $500 and applies the same reduction to certain property crimes. It also set penalties, including jail time, for repeat larceny offenses. Learn More
Employer Mandates
Proposed bills collectively introduced a range of employer mandates in Virginia, encompassing workplace violence policies, training on sexual harassment and workplace discrimination, prohibitions on wage or salary history inquiries, and notifications of the statute of limitations for discrimination complaints. Learn More
Paid & Unpaid Leave
Proposed significant changes in employment law, extending paid sick leave to various employees, allowing for the carryover of accrued leave, and enforcing penalties for non-compliance. Learn More
Sales Tax Increase
Sales tax increases are proposed to fund projects like infrastructure and safety improvements or to support school construction or renovation projects. Learn More
Minimum Wage Requirements
Proposed requirements are introduced into legislation, imposing fresh obligations on businesses. We are staunch advocates for giving businesses a say in these decisions and maintaining control over their own affairs. Learn More
2024 Reports
Here you can review the updates from the latest General Assembly Session.
