2024 VA Legislative Scorecard

HB1301 amends the Virginia Post-Disaster Anti-Price Gouging Act to broaden the definition of "consumer transaction" to include business-related goods and services. It also extends the "time of disaster" to either the state-of-emergency duration or 30 days after the disaster, whichever is longer.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB1301 on March 4, 2024 by a vote of 88 to 8. We have assigned pluses to the nays because it expands government intervention in the economy. By broadening the definition of "consumer transaction" to include business-related goods and services, the bill increases regulatory control over private enterprise, restricting the ability of businesses to set prices based on supply and demand. Instead of allowing the free market to respond to post-disaster conditions, HB1301 imposes arbitrary price controls that could lead to shortages and inefficiencies.

SB336 allows state and local law enforcement to install photo speed-monitoring devices at "high-risk" intersections where a traffic fatality has occurred since January 1, 2014. These devices will record speeding violations and follow the same regulations as those used in school zones and highway work zones.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB336 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 73 to 26. We have assigned pluses to the nays because speed-monitoring devices undermine due process by removing human oversight and presuming guilt before innocence, violating principles protected by the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments. These systems also risk infringing on Fourth Amendment protections against unreasonable searches and seizures. They enable invasive surveillance, expand government overreach, and burden drivers with costly fines, all disguised as public-safety measures.

HB609 establishes the "right" to access contraception, including contraceptive drugs, devices, and sterilization procedures. It prohibits any law, regulation, or policy that "restricts access" to contraceptives or related information. Health care providers are also given the "right" to offer contraceptives and related services. The bill outlines legal protections for individuals or entities whose "rights" are infringed, providing a defense if a law significantly advances health and safety.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed HB609 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 55 to 44. We have assigned pluses to the nays because contraception is not a right, and the care of human life—not its destruction—is the greatest responsibility of government. Both the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution affirm the fundamental, God-given, and unalienable right to life and limb of every person. Therefore, each of the several States has a duty to defend the basic humanity of all its citizens, especially the preborn.

SB69 expands eligibility for law-enforcement positions to individuals with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status. Under Existing law, only U.S. citizens can serve as police officers, deputy sheriffs, jail officers, and other law-enforcement roles.

The Virginia State House of Delegates passed SB69 on February 28, 2024 by a vote of 53 to 47. We have assigned pluses to the nays because persons who enter the United States illegally—which, by definition, is a crime—ought not to be permitted sanctuary or residency in Virginia, let alone be considered eligible for appointment as local police officers and deputy sheriffs. Rather than pursue a blatantly unconstitutional and anti-American policy that erodes both the rule of law and the value of citizenship, Virginia should use its powers reserved under the U.S. Constitution’s 10th Amendment to end the crisis of illegal migration and provide for the public safety. 

SB14 allows any county or city to impose an additional local sales tax of up to 1% to fund school construction or renovation, regardless of when the project began. It also removes limits on county funding for certain towns that have not complied with charter election provisions.

The Virgina State House of Delegates passed SB14 on February 26, 2024 by a vote of 68 to 28. We have assigned pluses to the nays because elected officials should work to cut government spending and taxes, not increase them. Additionally, lawmakers should not use taxes to fund a failing public-education system that prioritizes indoctrination over academic excellence. Despite ever-increasing funding, public schools continue to produce poor results while pushing radical social agendas. Rather than expanding government control, lawmakers should work to defund public education and return control to families.