Fluvanna Review Staff
Following last week’s approval of several constitutional amendments and the swearing-in of a new administration, the Virginia General Assembly turned its attention this week to a slate of bills addressing wages, worker protections, energy efficiency, reproductive health, and voting rules.
Several measures advanced out of committee, while at least one proposal was halted in the Senate. Below is a summary of key legislative activity from the week:
Minimum Wage Increase (HB1)
House Bill 1, introduced by Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton), would raise Virginia’s minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028. The bill was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee on a 15–7 vote and now heads to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration.
Energy Efficiency Task Force (HB3)
HB3, sponsored by Del. Destiny LeVere Bolling (D-Henrico), would establish a state task force to coordinate energy-efficiency and weatherization programs among utilities and state and federal agencies. The bill focuses on improving access for income-qualified households, including renters and residents of manufactured housing. The House Labor and Commerce Committee approved the measure on a 19–3 vote.
Paid Sick Leave (HB5)
House Bill 5, introduced by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler (D-Virginia Beach), would require employers to provide one hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. The House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 voted 5–2 to recommend reporting the bill and referring it to the Appropriations Committee.
Right to Contraception (HB6)
HB6, sponsored by Del. Cia Price (D-Newport News), would establish a statutory right to obtain and use contraception in Virginia. The bill advanced out of the House Health and Human Services Committee on a 15–7 vote.
Farm Worker Minimum Wage (HB20)
House Bill 20, introduced by Del. Adele McClure (D-Arlington), would remove existing exemptions to Virginia’s minimum wage law for farm workers and temporary foreign workers. The House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 voted 5–2 to report the bill.
Absentee Voting Proposal Defeated (SB46)
On the Senate side, Senate Bill 46, introduced by Sen. Christie New Craig, would have reduced Virginia’s absentee voting period from 45 days to 15 days before an election. The Senate Privileges and Elections Committee voted 8–7 to pass the bill by indefinitely, effectively killing the proposal for the session.
