The Torian Report: General Assembly Session Update Week 6

With just one week left in Richmond, the General Assembly of Virginia is not slowing down its work for the 2025 Legislative Session. My office remains available to take meetings and engage with the constituents of the 24th District. 

State Budget Progress

This week, the House of Delegates, the Senate of Virginia, and each chamber’s finance and appropriations committees have diligently compared the budgets passed by the other chamber. Just as all bills cross over to the other chamber, so does the budget.

Since the budgets crafted by the House and Senate are not identical, and usually never are, neither body will pass the other’s bill without conforming it into one unified budget that incorporates as many priorities of both chambers as possible. To agree upon one budget bill, it must be sent to a conference committee.

In Virginia, a conference committee is a small group of members from both the House and Senate who come together to reconcile the differences in a bill and reach a compromise. 

The House conferees for HB1600, the budget bill, include: Myself, Vice Chair Mark Sickles, Delegates Betsy Carr, David Bulova, Terry Austin, Rob Bloxom. Senate conferees include President Pro Tem L. Louise Lucas, and Senators Creigh Deeds, Mamie Locke, Ryan McDougle, and Todd Pillion. 

The 11 of us will spend the next few days working through the differences between our budget bills. Once we reach an agreement, we will report our final budget to the full House and Senate on Thursday, February 20th, and we will have a final vote on Saturday, February 22nd.

Legislative Progress

While my House Bills 2358 and 2359 still await the Governor’s signature. Del. Hope’s HB 2729, which incorporates my bill HB 2361, continues to advance in the Senate. On February 10, HB2729 was reported from the Courts of Justice Committee with a substitute and then re-referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations by a 14-Y, 1-N vote. On February 14, the Committee reported it out by a 14-Y, 0-N vote. Now, the bill will progress to a vote before the full Senate. This legislation adds 11 additional judgeships to address Circuit and General District Courts workloads and wait times.

My Legislation

HB2358 – Establishes the Current and Mature Semiconductor Technology Grant Fund. If passed, this legislation will allow Micron to expand its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Manassas. It will create many jobs and substantially impact Prince William County and the City of Manassas. 

HB2359 – Authorizes 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 addition to being named as a conferee on HB1600,  I was also named conferee for SB1082 and will be working with the conference committee to produce a version of this bill that both chambers can agree upon.

MLK Program and Youth Oratorical

Competition

As we enter the second half of Black History Month, I want to highlight a remarkable program that has been showcasing the best young orators in Prince William County for nearly 40 years—the MLK Program and Youth Oratorical Competition, hosted by the Prince William County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Since its inception in 1985, this competition has provided a platform for students to amplify their voices, develop confidence, and carry forward Dr. King’s legacy of eloquence and advocacy. Former School Board Member Lillie Jessie has helped produce a powerful video capturing the significance of this event. The documentary features insights from Delta Sigma Theta members, educators, coaches, and administrators who work behind the scenes to make this program an enduring part of our community.

This competition is more than just an event—it is a celebration of excellence, culture, and the rich diversity that makes Prince William County so special.

Conversations and Collaboration

At this stage of the legislative session, most committees have completed their work on bills reported from their subcommittees. This ensures that the bills introduced this session can move through the legislative process properly and reach the House and Senate floors for a final vote. The committees I am a member of convened this week to wrap up work for the session.

Constituent Corner

Thank you to all of my constituents who have reached out to my office this session. It is both my honor and responsibility to hear your thoughts, consider your perspectives, and represent you all every day in the Capitol.

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.