The Torian Report: General Assembly Session Update Week 3

On Monday, January 20th, we celebrated the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. As a noble civil rights activist and leader, Dr. King dedicated his life to serving his community and ensuring equality for all. Looking ahead, my office is preparing for another week of reviewing legislation and meeting with constituents to hear about the issues impacting them back in the 24th district. 

State Budget Progress

During the third week of the legislative session, the House Appropriations Committee convened for three productive meetings. Members of the House of Delegates presented their proposed amendments to the state budget to the committee, highlighting their priorities for funding and investment in our Commonwealth. 

The committee also reviewed and discussed legislation that was approved by subcommittees. Most of these bills are brought to the Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees because, if enacted, they would have a fiscal impact on our state budget.

To learn more about the House Appropriations Committee and its subcommittees, please click HERE.

Legislative Progress

HB2358 passed out of the Commerce, Agriculture, and Natural Resources Subcommittee and the full Appropriations Committee unanimously this week. This will establish the Current and Mature Semiconductor Technology Grant Fund.

HB2359 passed out of the General Government and Capital Outlay Subcommittee and the full Appropriations Committee unanimously earlier this week. I will be speaking to the bill on Monday, and the final vote on the House floor on Tuesday. This legislation authorizes the issuance of bonds in an amount up to $206,085,243 for revenue-producing capital projects at James Madison University and The College of William and Mary in Virginia.

HB2361 was recently assigned to the Courts of Justice’s Judicial Subcommittee. When the subcommittee met on Friday, January 24, I incorporated my legislation into Delegate Patrick Hope’s HB2729. Del. Hope’s legislation includes all new judges that will be added to our Court’s system this year. 

In addition to signing on as Chief Co-Patron to HJR2, HB1922 and HB2738, this week I signed on as a Co-Patron to Delegate Marcia Price’s HB1716.

House Bill 1716 (Delegate Marcia Price) this bill would establish a right to obtain contraceptives and engage in contraception. This bill creates a cause of action that may be instituted against anyone who infringes on such a right.

Out of the Shadows

On Friday, we honored the over 100 black men who served in the General Assembly during the Reconstruction Era and announced the archival donation of Speaker Don Scott’s paperwork and correspondences to the Library of Virginia.

Their courage and leadership laid the foundation for our Commonwealth’s progress towards equality and justice for all Virginians. I have the honor of adding my name to the even longer list of black men and women who have been elected to the General Assembly since these historic and remarkable trailblazers.

Virginia Community Colleges

I spoke at the Virginia Community Colleges (VCCS) reception on Tuesday with Governor Glenn Youngkin. Every year, the VCCS recognizes outstanding students from all 23 community colleges in our Commonwealth. These students range from those entering directly out of high school to those continuing their education or looking to transition to a new career path. 

Conversations and Collaboration

This week was filled with productive committee meetings and meaningful conversations with advocacy groups and organizations. The Committee on General Laws convened twice, and after our Tuesday meeting, the subcommittee on ABC and Gaming met. We reviewed critical legislation relevant to the committee.

Outside the committee rooms, I had meetings with President Rao of Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), President Sands of Virginia Tech, and representatives from organizations such as the Humanization Project, Virginia Dental Hygienists Association, and Freedoms Virginia. These meetings offered invaluable insights and reinforced the importance of collaboration in addressing the needs of Virginians across the state.

Constituent Corner

In addition to my work in Richmond, I focused on meetings with groups and individuals dedicated to strengthening our community. This week, I met with members of 4-H from the Prince William County chapter, a youth organization committed to empowering young people and fostering their development. 

I also had meaningful conversations with representatives from the Hamkae Center, including one of my constituents, the Prince William County Police Association, Local 259 of the Prince William County Firefighters, and members of the ASK Childhood Cancer Foundation, which also included a constituent. These productive discussions highlighted the role our local organizations and residents play in shaping our community. 

In every session, I can offer commending resolutions to honor residents for their outstanding contributions to our community. If you would like to recommend someone, please send your nominations to delltorian@house.virginia.gov. Your submission must include the nominee’s full name and a description of their contributions. 

If you have any questions or comments about the General Assembly Session or would like to contact my office directly with input or feedback on legislation, please find my office information below.