(The Center Square) – Virginia lawmakers have accepted some of Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s amendments while rejecting others during the General Assembly’s reconvened session, sending several high-profile bills back to her desk unchanged.
The session allows lawmakers to vote on the governor’s changes to legislation passed earlier this year, with a simple majority required to accept or reject amendments.
Cannabis, collective bargaining
Lawmakers in both chambers passed by for the day amendments to legislation creating a retail marijuana market, including House Bill 642 and Senate Bill 542. The procedural move rejects the governor’s proposed changes and returns the bills in their original form.
The legislation would establish a retail cannabis market in Virginia, with lawmakers previously setting a timeline for sales to begin Jan. 1, 2027. The governor’s proposal would have delayed implementation and reduced the number of initial retail licenses.
Amendments tied to collective bargaining for public employees also were passed by for the day. House Bill 1263 and Senate Bill 378 would allow collective bargaining, while the governor’s changes would have extended implementation timelines and adjusted oversight.
When amendments are rejected, the governor can sign the bill as written, veto it, or allow it to become law without her signature.
Guns, health care
Lawmakers also passed by for the day amendments to firearm-related legislation, including House Bill 217 and Senate Bill 749, which would make it a misdemeanor to import, sell, manufacture, purchase or transfer certain firearms defined in the bills.
Amendments to legislation creating a prescription drug affordability board also were rejected. House Bill 483 and Senate Bill 271 would establish a state-run board to review high-cost prescription drugs and, in some cases, set payment limits. The governor’s proposal would have changed the structure of that board.
Additional measures, including legislation related to face covering restrictions for law enforcement, also were returned to the governor without her proposed changes after lawmakers declined to adopt the amendments.
Amendments accepted
Lawmakers accepted a number of the governor’s amendments on other bills.
That includes legislation aimed at creating a paid family medical leave program under House Bill 1207 and Senate Bill 2, which would be funded through contributions from employers and employees.
Amendments also were approved on energy-related legislation, including measures allowing small plug-in solar devices, often referred to as “balcony solar,” and bills supporting battery energy storage projects connected to existing solar facilities.
Lawmakers also accepted amendments tied to an energy efficiency measure requiring utilities to help some low-income residents transition to electric heat pumps.
In addition, lawmakers approved changes to a bill directing a study of the Virginia Military Institute, placing responsibility for the review under the institution’s board of visitors.
Record number of amendments
Data from the Virginia Public Access Project shows Spanberger issued about 180 amendments this year, one of the highest totals in recent sessions. The volume is comparable to recent years under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
What happens next
Lawmakers rejected amendments on several major bills, and final decisions now move to the governor. Her actions will determine how the policies are implemented and what costs or requirements fall on Virginians.
The governor has 30 days to sign or veto the bills.
