Capitol Clips: Legislative Update
Monday, February 5, 2024
Southwest Virginia showed up in force at the State Capitol last week! Our delegation was proud to join Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares in welcoming nearly 600 representatives from across the region who were in Richmond to meet with legislators and other state leaders. This occasion presents a unique opportunity to engage all stakeholders on local projects and discuss issues in our localities.
Today marks the 27th day of our 60-day session. So far, 155 bills have passed the Senate and 600 are still pending. That means lengthy committee meetings and floor sessions as we approach “crossover” on February 13th—the deadline for all Senate bills to be considered by the Senate.
Two of my top priority bills advanced in committee this week.
SB626 was reported out of the Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee on a bipartisan basis. The bill provides a pathway to employment opportunities in the behavioral health field by removing certain barrier crimes that currently prohibit approximately 2,000 individuals in the Commonwealth from even being considered for a job as a peer recovery specialist, for example, even though they have served their time. The bill seeks to address both the substance use epidemic and behavioral health workforce crisis by allowing individuals to be consideredfor employment five years after their conviction. Employers are empowered with flexibility to implement additional hiring standards in assessing prospective applicants.
My SB619 was recommended to report out of the Public Education Subcommittee. This bill strives to address chronic absenteeism in our schools. One study found that Virginia has the second highest percentage of school-age students who are “unaccounted for” in public, private, or home schools. Existing law allows schools to involve the court system under certain conditions if students are not attending school and attempts to communicate with the family are unsuccessful. This is not always utilized nor is it a timely process in most cases. My bill adds another layer by involving the Department of Social Services after a student reaches the threshold of being “chronically absent”. Doing so opens up opportunities for additional supports to the family that hopefully will keep families out of the court system in the long-run and gets students back in an educational setting that meets their needs. The Constitution of Virginia requires the General Assembly to provide for an educational system, which is funded by taxpayers. Working with Governor Youngkin, we recently passed a bipartisan budget making the largest investment in education in Virginia history. The best return on that investment is making sure students are in school receiving a quality education that prepares them for a fulfilling life.
Delegate Terry Kilgore and I hosted a virtual session update for local press this week. We discussed our own legislation, the state budget, ongoing efforts related to passenger rail and establishing an inland port in Southwest Virginia. We also fielded questions regarding energy policy.
IN THE NEWS:
Pillion discusses Bristol passenger rail with governor
Senate committee advances Pillion’s bill to require Narcan in public schools
Virginia lawmakers address AI issues, budget in busy start to legislative session
Incentive for longer workday? Bills offer retirement credit for teachers working as bus drivers
She almost lost her daughter to fentanyl. Now she's fighting to change drug discussions at school.
Back in Session: Update from Richmond
SUNDAY, JANUARY 14, 2024
The 2024 Session of the Virginia General Assembly kicked off at noon on Wednesday, January 10. Following November’s state legislative elections, coupled with recent redistricting, there has been significant turnover and shifts at the State Capitol. With a Republican governor and slim Democrat majorities in the Senate and House, passing anything into law hinges on the ability to work together in a bipartisan manner.
Since this is the beginning of a new term, all senators were officially sworn in with the oath of office on Wednesday. Shortly after, we adopted organizational and procedural rules for the Senate and received committee assignments. In addition to being reappointed to the Committee on Education and Health and Committee on General Laws, I am excited to begin new appointments on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee as well as the Senate Rules Committee.
The state budget is the single most important and complex piece of legislation that is considered by the General Assembly. This year we will adopt a new budget and I look forward to having an active role in shaping that process alongside my colleagues on the Finance and Appropriations Committee.
Following our business on Wednesday, the Senate and House hosted Governor Youngkin to offer his State of the Commonwealth address.
In it, the Governor discussed his administration’s accomplishments and laid out his vision for Virginia in the coming years.
The Governor laid out an ambitious agenda. This includes legislation to keep Virginians safer from violent crime and destructive street drugs, a proposal to allow students to earn career credentials while completing their high school diplomas, and improvements to our mental health care system, to name a few.
In the coming weeks, I will closely review the Governor’s proposals as they go through the legislative process. I look forward to working with the Governor to improve our schools, make our neighborhoods safer, and ensure every Virginian has the skills and the opportunity to obtain a good job, as well as delivering a fiscally sound state budget that invests in Virginians and our future.
On Thursday, the Senate Education and Health Committee got straight to work where we took action on eight bills.
The week also consisted of meetings with fellow legislators, state agency heads, constituents, and representatives of various groups in preparation for session.
Local bankers from Southwest Virginia were among the first constituent groups to visit our brand new General Assembly Building. Delegate Kilgore, Delegate O’Quinn, and I enjoyed meeting with various representatives to discuss banking, finance, and regulatory issues.
The General Assembly Building is where individual Senate and House member offices are located during the legislative session and is the site where most committee meetings take place. It is located adjacent to the State Capitol. If you plan on visiting us during session, please reach out to us to schedule an appointment.
During session, our office can be reached by phone at (804) 698-7506 and by email to senatorpillion@senate.virginia.gov. Please note that this contact information has changed since redistricting.
Thank you for the honor of serving Southwest Virginia in the Senate of Virginia.
Groundbreaking; Tax Rebate; Early Voting
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27, 2023GROUNDBREAKING
Making Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family means making SOUTHWEST Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family. We were fortunate to have Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne championing that cause with us this week in Abingdon as our region leads the way to improve childcare capacity by breaking ground on the Regional Workforce and Childcare Hub.
The seed funding for this hub was secured with a $3.5 million budget amendment adopted by the General Assembly and approved by Governor Youngkin during the 2022 General Assembly session. This appropriation was the catalyst for subsequent funding commitments from various public and private partners, including some of the region’s largest employers. Leveraged together, these investments are building a regional workforce and child development hub that will empower local families, enhance educational experiences for our kids, and contribute to the economic development of the region.
TAX REBATE
Keep an eye on your bank account or mailbox! Tax rebates approved by Governor Youngkin and the General Assembly will be distributed to qualifying individuals beginning this week. This year's rebate builds on our ongoing commitment to provide much-needed tax relief to Virginians by returning more of your hard-earned money.
The Commonwealth anticipates issuing most rebates by November 7th. Eligible taxpayers will receive one-time tax rebates of up to $200 if they filed individually, and up to $400 if they filed jointly. To be eligible, taxpayers must file by November 1, 2023, and have had a 2022 tax liability.
Click here to check your eligibility according to the Virginia Department of Taxation.
EARLY VOTING
Virginians may continue to take advantage of early voting through Saturday, November 4th. Ballots may be cast in-person at your local registrar’s office.
This year’s General Assembly and local elections are absolutely crucial to the future of Virginia and we cannot afford to leave a single vote behind. Join Governor Youngkin in the effort to SECURE YOUR VOTE and get your vote “in the bank” before Election Day on November 7th.
Your local voting precinct will be open on Election Day, November 7th, from 6am until 7pm. VOTE!
New Laws Take Effect July 1
July 1 is the official effective date for most new laws that have been passed by the General Assembly and approved by the governor.
Each year, the Division of Legislative Services publishes a sample of changes to Virginia’s laws that are likely to affect the daily lives of citizens. It is not an exhaustive list of all new laws. The 2023 edition covers topics including commerce, education, energy, professions and occupations, motor vehicles, voting, and more. Here are some specific examples:
Automatic renewal or continuous service offers; cancellation reminders; prohibited practices. The law requires suppliers of automatic renewals or continuous service offers that include a free trial that lasts more than 30 days to, within 30 days of the end of any such free trial, notify the consumer of his option to cancel the free trial before the end of the trial period to avoid an obligation to pay for the goods or services.
Fentanyl as a weapon of terrorism. The law includes any mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl, including its isomers, esters, ethers, salts, and salts of isomers, as a weapon of terrorism for the purpose of defining terrorism offenses. The law provides that any person who knowingly and intentionally manufactures or knowingly and intentionally distributes a weapon of terrorism when such person knows that such weapon of terrorism is, or contains, any mixture or substance containing a detectable amount of fentanyl is guilty of a Class 4 felony.
Universal license recognition. The law establishes criteria for an individual licensed, certified, or having work experience in another state to apply to a regulatory board within the Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation and be issued an occupational license or government certification if certain conditions are met.
Phase I Utility; biennial reviews. The law makes various changes to procedures under which the State Corporation Commission reviews the earnings and sets the rates of Appalachian Power. The law provides that, in lieu of the triennial review proceedings required under current law, Appalachian Power will be subject to biennial reviews of its rates, terms, and conditions for generation and distribution services, with the first review commencing on March 31, 2024.
Elections; absentee voting. The law requires that voters provide the last four digits of his social security number and his birth year. The law provides that the unique identifier assigned to the voter in the voter registration system will be accepted in place of the last four digits of the voter's social security number for such purposes for those voters whose registration includes a statement of affirmation that they have never been issued a social security number.
Minimum wage for people with disabilities. The law requires employees with disabilities hired after July 1, 2023 to be paid the state minimum wage. Employees with disabilities hired before that date and who were subject to an exemption to the minimum wage will see a phased increase in wages over the next seven years.
Right to worship. In emergency declarations, the governor is prohibited from imposing closures or limitations on places of worship that are more restrictive than those placed on businesses and secular organizations.
Protecting agricultural land. The law prohibits China or any "foreign adversary" from purchasing agricultural land in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The following bills that I sponsored this year will also take effect July 1:
SB1414 establishes the Commonwealth Opioid Abatement and Remediation Fund to receive the state’s direct share of settlement dollars.
SB1415 requires development of an opioid impact reduction plan.
SB1418 preserves access to care by establishing that health care providers are not required to maintain a physical presence in the Commonwealth to maintain eligibility to enroll as a Medicaid provider.
SB1420 makes permanent the business park electric infrastructure program to promote economic development in rural areas.
SB1421 improves the process for adult protective services referrals.
SB1422 increases reimbursements for students enrolled in noncredit workforce training programs.
SB1538 requires the state to provide reimbursement to pharmacists when services rendered are within their scope of practice.
If you have any questions about a new law, please do not hesitate to contact my office.
Thank you for the honor and privilege of serving you in the Senate of Virginia. As always, please do not hesitate to contact my office if I may be of assistance. We can be reached at (276) 220-1209 or district40@senate.virginia.gov.
The Senate Stands Adjourned Until…
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 2023On Saturday, the Senate and House adjourned sine die, Latin for without a day specified for a future meaning. Adjournment sine die occurs on the final day of our legislative session, which was 46-days this year.
Traditionally, much of the final week of session is spent tweaking or working to resolve differences on major pieces of legislation, especially the state budget. This year was no different.
In Virginia, the legislature adopts a new biannual budget in even numbered years. As you may recall, in 2022, a budget stalemate between the Senate and House resulted in a special session and adoption of the budget was delayed until June. In odd numbered years, such as this year, we have the opportunity to amend the budget based on updated revenues and financial forecasts.
With an additional $3.6 billion in unanticipated revenue, this session began with many different ideas for balancing our state budget. The most significant point of contention throughout budget negotiations has been—and remains—approximately $1 billion in additional tax relief proposed by Governor Youngkin. Ultimately, Senate and House budget conferees were unable to reach a compromise on a plan to incorporate some combination of tax relief with new investments in areas like education, public safety, and transportation, among many others.
The result of this impasse was adoption of a four-page “skinny budget” to revise spending in a few targeted areas, such as correcting an error in a funding formula for public education. In the meantime, budget negotiators will continue to deliberate over tax relief and new funding priorities. Governor Youngkin has the authority to call a special legislative session, which would allow us to address any budget deal that may be reached.
Senator Pillion with Lt. Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, who presides as President of the Senate of Virginia.
Last week, my final remaining bill passed the House of Delegates unanimously. The Senate and House passed 13 of my bills with overwhelming bipartisan support this session. While Republicans and Democrats have many partisan disagreements and debates, I am always glad when we can put differences aside and work together on commonsense legislation, especially when it benefits Southwest Virginia.
These bills, if approved by the Governor, will:
strengthen our economy and workforce through infrastructure development (SB1420) and an increase in educational reimbursements for students enrolled in workforce programs in high-demand fields (SB1422)
reinforce accountability and capitalize on funding from the national opioid settlements (SB1414 and SB1415)
streamline how reports of elder abuse are received and processed (SB1421)
support access to healthcare through telemedicine (SB1418) and ensure pharmacists are able to be reimbursed for the work they do (SB1538)
As I shared in my first legislative update, one of the most pressing issues our office heard about throughout session was increasing electric bills. Working with Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Senator Frank Ruff, we passed legislation last week that will require a phase one utility to go before the State Corporation Commission (SCC) for rate reviews on a biannual basis as opposed to every three years as current law requires.
Recent rate increases have been driven in part by surging fuel costs. As a result, the bill incorporates a technique known as fuel securitization, which levels out utility fuel costs in order to minimize the impact of sharp increases that currently get passed on to customers. The end result of this legislation is enhanced oversight by the SCC and lower costs for ratepayers.
The conclusion of our legislative session means we are back home in Southwest Virginia. We have a busy year ahead and I look forward to seeing and serving you as we work through 2023. If my office may be of assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us at (276) 220-1209 or district40@senate.virginia.gov. Our district office is located at 201 East Main Street, Suite 201, in Abingdon, Virginia.
Crossover and China
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12, 2023This week was crossover at Virginia’s General Assembly—the legislative deadline for the Senate and House to act on its own legislation. With the exception of the budget, the only bills the Senate may consider for the remainder of session are the 604 bills that “crossed over” or passed the House. The House will consider 538 bills passed by the Senate.
As you might expect with divided government, we will consider some legislation that was defeated in a Democrat-controlled Senate, but passed a Republican-controlled House. The outcome on legislation related to the Second Amendment and abortion, for example, will be a wash: pro-gun bills that passed the Republican House will be defeated in the Democrat-led Senate and anti-gun bills that passed the Senate will be defeated in the House. Likewise, the Senate resolution adding a constitutional guarantee to abortion is unlikely to advance in the House. Had it not been for a Republican sweep in the 2021 elections, these bills would be well on their way to becoming law, much like what happened in 2020.
Here is where 25 key issues stand after Crossover
Mid-session update: what’s still alive and what’s dead (or on the way there)
Only on very rare occasions do issues related to foreign affairs come before the General Assembly. This week, however, the Senate narrowly approved two bills with foreign policy implications. And considering the lead-in to this week’s session was the downing of the Chinese government’s spy balloon off the coast of South Carolina, both bills have to do with the activities of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).
SB1438, which I cosponsored with Senator Richard Stuart, would prohibit a foreign adversary from acquiring or transferring any interest in agricultural land in Virginia. As you may have learned from news reports over the last year, entities under the direct control or influence of the Chinese government have been purchasing agricultural land in the United States, usually close to militarily sensitive locations.
As we all know, Virginia has an abundance of militarily sensitive locations, putting us at greater risk than many states of these purchases. This legislation protects Virginia from these purchases. Despite this, the vote on the legislation was close. Five Democrat senators joined all the Republicans in approving the bill, which is now headed to the House of Delegates.
The vote on banning TikTok and WeChat, two smartphone applications owned by companies controlled by the CCP, from state-owned devices was as close as it gets: a tie, which was broken by Lt. Governor Winsome Sears in favor of the bill. SB1459, co-sponsored by every member of the Senate Republican Caucus, would ban the use of these apps on state-owned devices.
Budgets and Bills
Sunday, February 5, 2023Today the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, along with the House Appropriations Committee, reported the Senate and House versions of the amended state budget. The two budget bills—SB800 and HB1400—are the legislative vehicles for the General Assembly and Governor to amend the state budget adopted last year.
The two budget bills reported from committee are not identical and contain different funding priorities that will be negotiated between the Senate and House over the coming weeks. I believe we can build on the bipartisan success of the budget adopted last year by continuing to invest in Virginians and our future through tax relief and reform while enhancing funding in key areas like education, transportation and infrastructure, economic development, our workforce, and behavioral health.
While it is early in the budget process, I am excited to share that one of my top priorities will advance as part of ongoing negotiations between the Senate and House.
Both the Senate and House budget bills include funding to support the development of an inland port within the Mount Rogers Planning District in SWVA. I sponsored this budget amendment as a result of last year’s budget language I worked on with Senator Steve Newman to determine whether it was feasible to establish a second inland port in Virginia. The study released in January showed that the region had favorable conditions to support the establishment of an inland port, which would have a direct relationship with the Port of Virginia in transporting goods.
More to come on this and the budget as session progresses.
This past week, the following bills I sponsored reported from committee and will be voted on by the full Senate:
SB1420 is a jobs and infrastructure bill that allows investor-owned utilities to build transmission lines a short distance to business parks to assist with business ready efforts. The current pilot program, managed by the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, has helped facilitate the creation of over 300 jobs and more than $200 million in capital investments across rural Virginia.
SB1421 aims to streamline and improve coordination between local departments of social services and local law enforcement on adult protective services matters that include reports of sexual abuse, death or serious injury, financial exploitation, or criminal activity.
SB1538 supports patient access to care and local pharmacists by ensuring that they are reimbursed by the Department of Medical Assistance Services for services provided within their current scope of practice. Currently, pharmacists are authorized to provide a variety of services, but are not reimbursed.
IN THE NEWS
General Assembly money committees ready to fund new inland port in Southwest Virginia
Bill to expand broadband access in Virginia passes Senate
Despite assurances, Southwest Virginia farmers remain concerned about Wytheville lab
Week Three Legislative Update
Saturday, January 28, 2023More than 1,900 bills have been filed for consideration during the 2023 General Assembly session. The Senate has until February 7 to complete its work on the more than 750 bills filed by senators, meaning that committees and subcommittees are working diligently this week and next to hear pending legislation and complete dockets.
Strengthening Virginia’s Workforce
This week the Senate Education and Health Committee unanimously reported my SB1422, a workforce bill supported by Governor Youngkin to increase the maximum rate of reimbursement for the Workforce Credential Grant (WCG) from $3,000 to $4,000. WCG is a pay-for-performance program established in 2016 that supports individuals in attaining an industry-based credential in high demand occupations to better serve regional and state workforce needs. Due to inflation and program cost increases, the cost to deliver essential programs such as a CDL or welding credential has increased drastically, necessitating an update to the reimbursement.
Virginia’s Animal Health Laboratory System
My office has fielded many concerns in recent months concerning the results of a 2022 report to the Secretary of Agriculture which recommended closure of the state lab in Wytheville. Our legislative delegation has engaged the administration regarding this recommendation and the impact the closure would have on Southwest Virginia’s producers. During a meeting today with the Secretary and Commissioner, we received a commitment that no closure would occur during this administration. Southwest Virginia legislators will continue to monitor the situation and ongoing work of the advisory committee regarding the 2022 report and recommendations.
State Law: Abortion Up Until Birth
As a result of this week’s vote in the Senate Education and Health Committee, abortion up until birth is poised to remain state law in Virginia.
This session, Senate Republicans offered a number of pro-life legislative options, which I supported, to limit abortions. Even Democrats for Life, an organization that provided public testimony during last week’s subcommittee hearing, noted that recent data proves a majority of Virginians do not support current law which allows for abortions through the third trimester.
While these bills were defeated, our work is not over.
A Tale of Two Richmonds
SATURDAY, JANUARY 21, 2023Virginia Vehicle Emissions Tied to California
This week, Richmond, Virginia seemed a lot like Richmond, California as the Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources Committee served as the arena for a smackdown between the two states. California won on a party-line vote, 8 to 7.
The issue: whether Virginia or California will control our vehicle emission standards. During the two years when Democrats had complete control of Virginia government, they enacted legislation that gave the California Air Resources Board (CARB) control of Virginia’s emission standards.
Last August, California Governor Gavin Newsom declared that California would ban the sale of new gasoline and diesel vehicles by 2035. The scheme requires 35% of 2026 model year vehicles sold in the state be electric or hydrogen-generated electric.
Electric vehicles represent about 0.5% of current registrations in Virginia and around 2% of new vehicles sold in the state. In order to comply with California’s new mandate, Virginians would have to buy 18 times more electric vehicles than they’re currently purchasing in just three years. The average cost of a new electric vehicle? $66,000, according to Kelley Blue Book. The average household income in far Southwest Virginia? $41,530.
This is what happens when state government outsources decisions affecting the lives and livelihoods of its citizens to bureaucrats headquartered 2,600 miles away. But, that is our current law, enacted two years ago by Democrats over the loud objections of Republican senators.
Many Virginians might not realize that decisions on what cars they can and cannot buy are being decided for them in California. That is why I cosponsored legislation this year to “un-California” Virginia by repealing this law. Regardless of your stance on the policy, our General Assembly should never sell out Virginians by tying our laws to California or any other state.
Energy Prices and Utility Regulation
One of our legislative delegation’s top priorities this session is addressing skyrocketing energy prices. Inflation, fuel prices, and the current rate review process has created a perfect storm for recent bill increases. I am cosponsoring a bill with Delegate Israel O’Quinn and Senator Travis Hackworth which would limit the amounts that are recoverable by a utility and change the current rate review by the State Corporation Commission from every three years to every year.
Legislation Reported from Committee
So far, more than 700 bills (and counting) have been filed in the Virginia Senate. This is the time of year when most legislative work is done in committees. This week, three of my bills reported unanimously from the Education & Health Committee:
SB1414 creates the Commonwealth Opioid Abatement and Remediation Fund. This fund will be the repository of all dollars Virginia receives from national opioid settlements which are not already earmarked for the Opioid Abatement Authority or localities. The bill restricts these funds solely for the purposes of efforts to treat, prevent, or reduce opioid use disorder and to abate or remediate the opioid epidemic.
SB1415 establishes a statewide fentanyl response plan with the number one goal of saving lives and livelihoods. Fatal fentanyl overdoses surged in Virginia from 48 in 2007 to over 2,000 in 2021. Governor Youngkin has committed an investment of $7 million in his proposed budget to support this important first step.
SB1418 seeks to improve access to health care, particularly in rural areas, by clarifying that providers licensed by the Commonwealth are not required to maintain a physical presence in Virginia to enroll as a Medicaid provider for telemedicine. This can be especially important for Southwest Virginians who have health care providers based in our border states.
Back in Session: Legislative Update from Richmond
SATURDAY, JANUARY 14, 2023The Virginia General Assembly is back in session!
On Wednesday, the Senate of Virginia and House of Delegates convened to kickoff our 2023 legislative session, which is expected to be 46 days. Following the organization of both houses, Senate committees got right to work Wednesday afternoon with the Committee on General Laws and Technology, on which I serve, considering the first bills of this session. Later, I joined my colleagues in a joint session of the Assembly to receive Governor Youngkin’s State of the Commonwealth address.
In his remarks, Governor Youngkin addressed the necessity for us to accelerate our efforts in the General Assembly in order to make Virginia even stronger, so that we may compete economically and attract more jobs. His address was a reminder that Virginians elected Governor Youngkin to lower the cost of living, empower parents, jumpstart the economy, make communities safer, and make government work for the people. Governor Youngkin has worked with us to set Virginia on the right path, but he reminded us that we are not yet at our destination. More needs to be done to reach our goal of making Virginia the best place to live, work, and raise a family.
In particular, I applaud Governor Youngkin’s focus on the importance of continuing to work together in a bipartisan fashion to build on the tax relief that was desperately needed and accomplished last year, particularly as inflation continues to grip Virginia families and businesses. The data show that we can provide more relief to Virginians and make strategic investments in education, public safety, and infrastructure while honoring our responsibility of adopting a balanced budget. More to come on all of this as session progresses.
The majority of legislation to be considered by the General Assembly was filed this week and can be accessed online by clicking here. Next week once all bills are filed, I will share details on what legislation and budget amendments I am working on this session as well as other important business and happenings from your Capitol.
22 Need-To-Know Laws For 2022
July 1st is the date when the vast majority of bills passed by the General Assembly and signed by the Governor officially become law. This is also the day that the new biennial state budget takes effect. Of the more than 2,000 bills introduced in the Senate and House this year, just over 800 will become the law of the Commonwealth.
Here are 22 examples of what’s new in 2022:
Veteran-owned Small Businesses; Waiving of Fees and Review of Regulations
This law directs the Secretary of Veterans and Defense Affairs and the Secretary of Commerce and Trade to examine the waiving of fees associated with permits necessary to establish a small business for veteran owned small businesses.Prohibition on Quotas
This law prohibits any agency of the Commonwealth employing law enforcement officers from establishing a formal or informal quota that requires a law-enforcement officer to make or issue a specific number of arrests or summonses within a period of time.Legalization of Switchblades
This law eliminates the prohibition for selling, bartering, giving, furnishing, or possessing with the intent of selling, bartering, giving, or furnishing a switchblade.Hospital Price Transparency
This law requires every hospital to make information about standard charges for items and services provided by the hospital available on the hospital’s website by July 1, 2023.Driver’s Licenses with Blood Type Information
This law directs the Department of Motor Vehicles to establish a method by which an applicant may indicate his blood type to be noted on his driver’s license or identification card for the purpose of providing emergency medical support.Legalization of Hunting on Sundays
This law permits hunting on Sunday on public or private land, so long as it takes place more than 200 yards from a place of worship.Parental Notification of Teaching Sexually Explicit Material
This law requires the Department of Education to develop no later than July 31, 2022, model policies and each local school board to adopt policies for ensuring parental notification of any instructional material that includes sexually explicit content.Requirement to Report Absentee Results by Precinct
This bill requires general registrars to report to the Department of Elections the number and results of absentee ballots cast by voters assigned to each precinct in the registrar's locality.Parole Board Transparency
This law provides that individual votes of the members of the Virginia Parole Board are public records and subject to the provisions of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act.Definition of “Vulnerable Adult” for Abuse and Neglect; Financial Exploitation Penalties
This law changes the term “incapacitated adult” to “vulnerable adult” for the purposes of the crime of abuse and neglect of such adults. “Vulnerable adult” is defined as any person 18 years of age or older who is impaired by reason of mental illness, intellectual or developmental disability, physical illness or disability, or other causes, including age, to the extent the adult lacks sufficient understanding or capacity to make, communicate, or carry out reasonable decisions concerning his well-being, person, property, or legal interests.Limitation on Duration of Executive Order for Emergency Services and Disaster Law
The law limits the duration of any executive order issued by the Governor pursuant to his powers under the Emergency Services and Disaster Law to no more than 45 days from the date of issuance. If the General Assembly does not take any action on the order within the 45 days during which it is effective, the Governor will be prohibited from issuing the same or a similar order relating to the same emergency.Student Athlete Compensation
The law establishes parameters for the compensation and representation of a student-athlete related to the use of such student’s name, image, or likeness. The law prohibits any university and athletic associations from preventing student-athletes from hiring an agent or lawyer. The law also prohibits modifying scholarships or eligibility for competition based on the students’ earnings. The law bans players from earning compensation for any agreements related to alcohol, drugs, adult entertainment, weapons, tobacco, nicotine and gambling.Budget Bill
Includes tax reform and historic investments in key areas. More information here.Prohibition of Payment by Medicaid Participants for Treatment Involving the Prescription of Opioids
This law targets the practices of cash clinics that help fuel the opioid epidemic by requiring cash payment from Medicaid patients rather than billing services through DMAS.Establishment of Nitrile Glove Manufacturing Training Program
This law establishes the Nitrile Glove Manufacturing Training Program, a funding program of up to $4,601,000 for the Virginia Economic Development Partnership, to support the recruitment and training needs of such companies located in the Mount Rogers Planning District.School Attendance Policy for 4-H Educational Programs and Activities
This law provides that students who miss a partial or full day of school while participating in 4-H educational programs and activities will not be counted as absent and will receive course credit in the same manner as they would for a school field trip.School Safety Audits
This law requires each local school board to ensure its schools collaborate with the chief law-enforcement officer of the locality or his designee when conducting required school safety audits.Student Broadband Access
This law requires, from the 2022 school year to the 2025 school year, each school board to submit an annual report listing each student's 9-1-1 address that does not have broadband access, as defined by the broadband guidelines set out by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development.Virginia Passenger Rail Authority—SWVA Representation
This law changes the membership of the Board of Directors of the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority by (i) adding one non legislative member who resides within the boundaries of Planning District 3 or 4 and (ii) reducing from two to one the non legislative members who reside within the boundaries of Planning District 5, 9, 10, or 11.Expansion and Support of Meat-Processing Facilities
This law establishes that it is the policy of the General Assembly to encourage, expand, and develop slaughter and meat-processing facilities through strategic planning and financial incentive programs. The bill directs the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to develop a five-year strategic plan for this initiative.Removal of Waste Coal from Previously Mined Sites Through Commission on Electric Utilities
This law establishes that it is in the public interest to address the environmental hazards of abandoned coal mines through the removal of waste coal from previously mined sites in the coalfield region of the Commonwealth. This effort represents important economic and conservation opportunities in the region.Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Fund
This law creates the Advanced Manufacturing Talent Investment Fund to support the General Assembly's long-term goal of supporting efforts to increase the number of new eligible credentials in advanced manufacturing.
The Division of Legislative Services publishes an annual list of legislative highlights. Click here for the complete list.
If you have questions about a new law, or if I may be of assistance, please contact my office at district40@senate.virginia.gov or by phone at (276) 220-1209.
As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you in your State Senate.
A budget that saves, invests, and serves
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 1, 2022Today the Senate of Virginia adopted a new state budget that provides much needed tax relief totaling nearly $4 billion while making significant investments in services and Virginia’s future.
This is one of the strongest budget compromises I have seen during my time in the Virginia General Assembly and I am proud to support it. While it took an unfortunate amount of time to get here, I applaud negotiators on both sides of the aisle in the Senate and House for coming together in a bipartisan way and ultimately putting Virginians first. Despite political divisions in the General Assembly, our delegation worked to also secure a variety of important wins for Southwest Virginia.
With state coffers unusually and uniquely flush, I have consistently advocated for a balanced budget approach that offers relief to Virginians struggling with higher prices under inflation, delivers on tax reform, and continues to make significant investments in services and Virginia’s future. Fortunately for families and small businesses across the Commonwealth, this balanced approach has prevailed and delivers important wins to Virginians, including:
Lower taxes through an increase in the standard deduction;
Lower grocery bills by repealing the state grocery tax;
Direct payments to return a portion of the record state revenue surplus back to the people;
The largest K-12 education budget in Virginia history, just as Governor Youngkin promised;
Significant investments in teachers, law enforcement, state employees, school construction, veterans, economic development, agriculture, and more;
Direct support to Southwest Virginia.
The state budget is the single most important piece of legislation considered by the General Assembly because it impacts every single Virginian in one way or another. I’m proud to say that this budget saves; it invests; and it serves Virginians regardless of where they are from or what their background is.
Sample of Budget Highlights
Taxes
increase the standard tax deduction to $8,000 for single filers and $16,000 for joint filers
issue one-time rebates of $250 to individuals; $500 to families
eliminate the state grocery tax
income tax subtraction for military retirees age 55 or older of $10,000 in tax year 2022 and $20,000 in tax year 2023
Select Southwest Virginia Investments
$11.5 million to support economic development and programs at UVA-Wise
$3.5 million in ARPA funding to increase childcare capacity
$2.5 million to establish a crisis receiving center for people with serious mental illness and reduce the burden on law enforcement in managing behavioral health crises
$2 million in assistance to address issues with the Bristol landfill
$1.3 million to support the recruitment and training of up to 2,464 new jobs for the Blue Star Manufacturing project in Wythe County
$466,500 to fund the completion of the Mendota Trail in Washington County
$430,000 to fund the modernization of the Breaks Interstate Park Lodge
$400,000 to maximize federal funding programs and funding targeted to coal communities
Funding to support increasing the number of trained individuals entering advanced manufacturing careers
Funding to study the feasibility of establishing an inland port in the region
$11.4 million to support flood relief efforts in Hurley
This budget funds the largest investment in K-12 education in Virginia history.
Total of $19.2 billion (20% increase)
10% salary increase over two years for SOQ teachers and support staff and provides a $1,000 bonus
$1.25 billion to support $3.15 billion in school construction projects
$354.5 million to hold school divisions harmless from pandemic-impacted rebenchmarking data
$158 million to increase the at-risk add-on, a benefit for many rural school divisions
$100 million for legislation I sponsored on behalf of Governor Youngkin to establish college partnership lab schools to focus on instructional flexibility, experiential learning, and college or career readiness
$66.9 million increase in funding for early childhood education
This budget supports law enforcement and invests in public safety.
10% raise for state and state-supported employees
Increase the starting pay for DOC correctional officers, deputy sheriffs, and regional jail officers to $42,000
Increase the starting pay for sworn officers of the State Police to $51,500
$75 million to support equipment and training grants to local law enforcement
$47 million to aid local police departments
$45 million in additional funding for the School Resource Officer grant program
This budget builds a stronger Virginia.
$130 million to support small businesses recovering from COVID closures and impacts
$256.6 million to fully fund Ag BMP—helping our farmers and agriculture community
$614 million increase in support for higher education
$159 million to improve business ready sites
“Sine Die” Until Next Time
SUNDAY, MARCH 13, 2022
Senator Todd Pillion with Gov. Youngkin’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Matt Moran, and Gov. Youngkin’s Chief Counsel, Richard Cullen, outside the Senate chamber. Photo by Bob Brown, Richmond Times-Dispatch.
On Saturday the Senate and House of Delegates adjourned “sine die,” ending the 2022 regular session of the General Assembly. While much was accomplished during our regular 60-day session, there was not enough time to resolve differences on some of the most important issues that Virginians care about. What does that mean? Another special session.
Roughly 50 bills remain “in conference” and have been carried over to a special session to be called by Governor Youngkin in the near future. Until then, legislators will work to bridge differences and come to a resolution on the state budget, potential tax relief for Virginians, election integrity measures, school construction funding, and enhanced educational opportunities—among other important bills.
Conference committees of six legislators—three senators and three delegates—are appointed by leadership to work on bills that are in conference and report back to the full Senate and House of Delegates. This year I was appointed as a conferee on 18 bills ranging from issues considered by the committees on Education and Health, Rehabilitation and Social Services, Commerce and Labor, and Finance and Appropriations. These assignments include major legislation still in conference such as school construction and a priority education bill for Governor Youngkin.
One of my conference committees did complete work on HB1326, a bill sponsored by House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore. The legislation promotes the remediation of coal GOB piles in Southwest Virginia. The Senate and House adopted our conference report to declare the removal of waste coal from previously mined sites in the coalfield region as a matter of public interest. The Commission on Electric Utility Regulation may review information on the approximate volume and number of waste coal piles present in the coalfield region of the Commonwealth and options for cleaning up such waste coal piles. This is a major public health, conservation, and economic opportunity for the region.
By far, the biggest single piece of legislation we consider is the state budget bill, which impacts every single Virginian in a variety of ways. This budget will be particularly impactful as record revenues force us to balance necessary tax relief while striving to make strategic investments in areas like education and transportation. We can do both and I am hopeful the budget conferees are able to strike that important balance as we prepare to send a final budget bill to Governor Youngkin.
In terms of legislation that I sponsored, this has been our most productive session yet. Each of the 12 bills originally passed the Senate with 100% support from the Republican Caucus and no less than 80% support from the Democrat Caucus, which holds a narrow majority in the State Senate.
That includes SB758, a bill that eliminates the prohibition for selling, bartering, giving, furnishing, or possessing a switchblade knife. At the time we adjourned, SB758 was the only VCDL-supported bill to pass the General Assembly—and it did with near unanimous support. This bill, signed by Governor Youngkin on Thursday, will allow Virginians access to an instrument commonly used by first responders, craftsmen, women, and people with disabilities in 44 other states. This is also an economic development bill, as Southwest Virginia is home to one of the largest knife distributors in the world.
Additionally, Governor Youngkin will act on legislation I sponsored to:
improve and strengthen school safety audits;
crack down on cash clinics that help fuel the opioid epidemic;
facilitate up to $4.6 million to support the workforce needs of the Blue Star manufacturing project in Wythe County;
help leverage more than $700 million in broadband funding by making students without home internet access a top priority;
address supply chain issues and support local producers by directing the state to develop a plan to increase meat processing capacity within Virginia;
promote expansion of passenger rail service to and through Bristol by giving our region a seat on the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority
My staff and I are looking forward to being back in the district full-time as we await the call for special session from Governor Youngkin. There is a lot of important work that remains and we are eager to resolve these big issues and deliver results for Virginians.
Please feel free to contact us at district40@senate.virginia.gov or by phone at (276) 220-1209. As always, thank you for the opportunity to serve you in YOUR State Senate.
Governor Youngkin signing Senator Todd Pillion’s SB600. Photo by the Governor’s Office.
Clips from the Capitol
Friday, February 25, 2021
Budget season is heating up with just over two weeks to go until the scheduled conclusion of our current legislative session. Crafting a balanced budget is one of the most important functions of the General Assembly. This year is particularly unique given the record revenues the state has collected.
Earlier this week the Senate and House of Delegates each adopted separate budget proposals with broad bipartisan support. These two budget bills contain significant differences and will require the appointment of a conference committee to resolve those differences and ultimately produce one budget bill for the General Assembly to pass and send to Governor Youngkin.
The Senate budget bill includes a number of the budget amendments I submitted and makes significant investments in key areas including public education, higher education, law enforcement, economic development, school construction, and workforce—among others. Additionally, the Senate budget includes targeted tax relief for Virginians who continue to struggle with higher and higher costs in the face of inflation. This is an important step, but I believe we can and should do more.
Importantly, the Senate budget I voted to support yesterday includes a provision to provide immediate relief to employees and employers by repealing the permanent COVID-19 workplace regulations adopted by the Department of Labor. This move gets us all one step closer to normal.
Having reviewed both the Senate and House proposals, there is a lot of work to be done in the coming weeks to bring the two budgets in sync. I will keep you posted and provide more detail as we get closer to approving a final budget.
Today it was announced by Attorney General Miyares that Virginia will receive $530 million to combat the opioid epidemic as part of a nationwide settlement. The Opioid Abatement Authority, which I chair, was established last year to distribute most of this crucial funding which will be essential to saving lives and building stronger communities. More information is available here.
This week I joined House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore, Delegate Israel O’Quinn, and Delegate Will Wampler for the annual Southwest Telephone Townhall that we do each legislative session. This is a great opportunity for us to provide a more detailed update on what is happening during session, receive your feedback, and answer your questions. We conducted a poll during the call and found that 63% of respondents feel that inflation is the most important issue Virginians are facing.
Like many of you, I am appalled by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. I am in prayer for the Ukrainian people and for our own leaders to respond with wisdom, strength, and resolve.
Senator Pillion and House Majority Leader Terry Kilgore pictured after meeting with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Wise County Sheriff’s Office.
Crossover Update
Thursday, February 17, 2022
This week the Virginia General Assembly reached the hallmark “make or break” legislative deadline known as crossover. Roughly the midpoint of the state legislative session, crossover is the last day for the Senate to act on Senate bills and the House to act on House bills, with the exception of the Senate and House budget bills.
This session I’ve developed a legislative agenda of twelve bipartisan bills, each of which has passed the Senate with 100% support from the Republican caucus and no less than 80% support from Democrats, who still hold a narrow majority in the Senate. These bills include:
A bill on behalf of Governor Youngkin to offer new educational opportunities for students through innovative partnerships with local school divisions and institutions of higher education. (SB598)
A bill on behalf of Governor Youngkin to improve school safety audits that enhance safety for students and staff. (SB600)
A bill to facilitate state incentives to support the recently announced BlueStar glove manufacturing project in Wythe County, which represents one of the largest economic development announcements in Southwest Virginia. (SB595)
A bill that seeks to close the broadband gap by identifying service gaps among students. Last year the General Assembly approved over $700 million to achieve universal broadband access in Virginia. Leveraging those dollars to prioritize getting homes with children connected to the internet is a good return on that investment. (SB724)
A bill in response to recent supply chain issues that directs the administration to develop a plan to increase meat processing capacity in Virginia. (SB726)
A bill to crack down on cash clinics that fuel the opioid epidemic. (SB594)
A full list of my legislation is available here.
Bills passed by the Senate now advance to the House of Delegates for further consideration. In the Senate, our focus now shifts to getting Senate bills through the House; acting on House bills in the Senate; and the state budget
STANDING WITH PARENTS AND GOVERNOR YOUNGKIN!
IT’S THE LAW—NO MORE MASKS! Governor Youngkin’s signature today on SB739, a bill I co-patroned with Senator Dunnavant, ends the school mask mandate on our children and reins in out of control school divisions.
Yesterday the Senate agreed to an amendment from Governor Youngkin adding an emergency clause to SB739, which means that no later than March 1, Virginia law will empower parents to make decisions about whether their child is masked while on school property.
Just as important, the bill prohibits schools from taking any adverse action against a student who is not wearing a mask. Recent reports have showed schools suspending or segregating students who do not wear a mask. This is unacceptable.
Capitol Clippings
Friday, February 4, 2022
As we near the halfway mark of session, the Senate is at work considering nearly 800 pieces of legislation to be acted on by February 15th.
At this point, the majority of my bills have been presented in committee and are progressing through the legislative process.
SB596 guarantees that students who participate in official 4-H activities during the school day are not counted absent for attendance purposes, much like other school-sponsored activities. School boards will develop policies and guidelines for students to complete missed work and may determine the maximum amount of time a student may be excused. This bill idea was brought to me by Harper, a student in Wise County and an active member of 4-H. As a former 4-H participant myself, I know firsthand the important life skills and educational experiences this program provides and am proud to be carrying this bill on behalf of Harper and her friends. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.
Last year I proudly voted in favor of providing more than $700 million in new broadband funding to achieve universal access in the Commonwealth by 2024. Now comes the important task of deploying that funding into the areas where internet is needed and desired. Throughout the pandemic, students and families with children that didn’t have internet access were hit particularly hard. My SB724 prioritizes student broadband access by requiring a report from local school divisions to the state identifying service gaps among students. During the pandemic, local schools got a pretty good sense of internet availability among students when schools were closed or moved to an online or hybrid format. The bill reported from the Committee on Education and Health 15-0.
This week the Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee took up my SB726 concerning meat-processing capacity and supply chain concerns. The bill directs the state to develop a 5-year strategic plan to increase capacity of inspected meat-processing facilities and provide recommendations as to how to implement the plan.
Before the pandemic, red meat slaughter in Virginia decreased by almost 26% from 2009-2019, while nationally, that increased by over 19% during the same period. The pandemic highlighted supply chain issues that still exist today within many sectors, but especially the meat industry. The bill also places an emphasis on developing strategic planning and programs that provide financial incentives and technical assistance to encourage and supplement private capital.
Each week I hear from thousands of Virginians regarding various pieces of legislation. I’m sharing with you some of the bills that have been a hot topic recently and the status of that legislation.
SB710 Creates the Pain-Capable Unborn Child Protection Act. The Act prohibits an abortion after 20 weeks of gestation unless, in reasonable medical judgment, the mother has a condition that so complicates her medical condition as to necessitate the abortion to avert her death or to avert serious risk of substantial and irreversible physical impairment of a major bodily function. The bill was heard this morning in the Health Professions subcommittee, of which I am a member. Our subcommittee recommended to report the bill on a 4-4 vote.
SB273 Makes optional the current absentee ballot witness signature requirement by giving the voter the option to provide either the last four digits of their social security number or valid Virginia driver's license number in lieu of a witness signature. Currently, none of this information is required if the witness signature is not provided. The bill passed the Senate 40-0.
SB211 Requires the State Registrar of Vital Records to transmit to the Department of Elections a weekly list of decedents from the previous week. Currently, this list is transmitted monthly. The bill requires the general registrars to use this information to conduct list maintenance and to promptly cancel the registration of a person on the list. The bill passed the Senate 32-8.
10 Things to Know About the First 10 Days of Session
On Wednesday, January 12, the Senate convened to begin the regular session of the General Assembly. We are back in the Senate Chamber at the Capitol, following last year’s COVID session at the Science Museum of Virginia.
I was honored to be selected by the Senate Republican Caucus to deliver the response to Governor Northam’s final State of the Commonwealth address on January 12. While Northam’s address focused on the past, our response looked to the future, highlighting the promise of new leadership and vision to build a better and brighter Commonwealth for all Virginians. You can watch the full response here.
New committee assignments were announced last week. I have the privilege of serving on the Senate Committees on Education and Health, General Laws, Rehabilitation and Social Services, and Transportation.
The swearing-in of our new statewide office holders Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lt. Governor Winsome Sears, and Attorney General Jason Miyares took place on Saturday, January 15. The inauguration took place during a joint session of the General Assembly on the front portico of the State Capitol, designed by Thomas Jefferson. After taking the oath of office, Governor Youngkin delivered his first gubernatorial address which laid the foundation for the implementation of his Day One game plan, which began just hours later.
Promises Made. Promises Kept. Following the inauguration, Governor Youngkin signed nine executive orders and two executive directives. The complete list of actions can be found here and include empowering Virginia parents in their children’s education and upbringing by allowing parents to make decisions on whether their child wears a mask in school; restoring excellence in education by ending the use of divisive concepts, including Critical Race Theory, in public education; withdrawing from the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative; and cutting regulations by 25%.
In response to the scandals and misconduct widely reported last year, the entire Parole Board has been fired and replaced. Wise County native Chad Dotson will chair the newly constituted board. The injustices perpetrated by the previous board were a stain on the Commonwealth and a disservice to victims and families across Virginia. It's past time that we restore order, integrity, and confidence in the Parole Board. Thanks to this new leadership, we're off to a great start.
Lt. Governor Winsome Sears presided over her first floor session as President of the Senate on Monday, January 17. In this role, she presides over our daily floor sessions, calling balls and strikes when needed and, in the event of a tie, casting the deciding vote. As the first Black woman to serve in this capacity, she is a history-making Lt. Governor and we are very excited to have her in this prominent role in the Senate.
Following our Monday floor session, Governor Youngkin delivered an address to a Joint Session of the General Assembly in which he outlined a number of legislative priorities that the legislature will consider over the next 7 weeks. This includes historic investments in areas like education while achieving desperately needed tax relief for Virginians.
With a new administration comes new opportunities. This week I was glad to meet one-on-one with a number of Governor Youngkin’s cabinet nominees and agency heads to discuss a number of priorities, issues, and challenges specific to Southwest Virginia.
This week we completed filing all legislation and budget amendments that I will be sponsoring this session. Tune in next week for more information about these priorities and an update on other important issues that are up for consideration this session.
