(The Center Square) – With Democrats now controlling Virginia state government, several bills introduced early in the legislative session are drawing Republican criticism over taxes, firearms policy and criminal justice changes tied to affordability.
The proposals touch on taxes, firearms, and criminal justice policy, areas House Democrats are addressing early in the session as the General Assembly begins work under unified Democratic control.
One measure drawing attention is House Bill 900, which deals with sales taxes and transportation funding. According to the Virginia Legislative Information System, the bill would expand the sales and use tax to some services and digital products beginning Jan. 1, 2027. It also includes new regional transportation-related taxes and a retail delivery fee that would apply in parts of Northern Virginia and the Potomac and Rappahannock region.
Another tax proposal, House Bill 979, would increase Virginia’s standard deduction beginning in tax year 2027 and adjust it over time to keep pace with inflation. The bill would also establish two new higher-income tax brackets, applying an 8% rate on income over $600,000 and a 10% rate on income over $1 million. Bill language states that 50% of the revenue generated by the new brackets would be distributed to localities to support public school costs.
A separate measure, House Bill 978, would expand the application of sales and use taxes to certain services and digital personal property. The bill would also exempt food for human consumption and essential personal hygiene products from state, local and regional sales taxes beginning July 1, 2026, according to the Legislative Information System.
Firearm legislation has also emerged as an early focus this session. House Bill 1359 would require individuals purchasing a firearm from a dealer to obtain a firearm purchaser license issued by the Department of State Police.
Under the bill, applicants would be required to complete an approved firearms safety or training course and receive verification from state police that they are not prohibited from purchasing or possessing a firearm under state or federal law. The license would be valid for five years, according to bill language.
In a statement to The Center Square, House Republican Leader Terry Kilgore criticized the proposal, saying the existing background check system already works.
“The system we have now works well. The State Police can do instant checks using a computer system that in most cases only takes moments,” Kilgore said. “The only reason to make the changes in this bill would be to create a registry of firearm owners. State government has no business keeping lists of people who are exercising their constitutional rights.”
Another firearms-related proposal, House Bill 1094, would impose an additional sales and use tax on firearms and ammunition manufacturers, with proceeds directed to the Virginia Gun Violence Intervention and Prevention Fund, according to bill language.
Criminal justice legislation has also drawn attention early in the session. House Bill 863 would eliminate mandatory minimum sentences for certain offenses, expanding judicial discretion during sentencing.
In her address to a joint session of the General Assembly, Gov. Abigail Spanberger said her administration is prioritizing affordability for Virginia families as lawmakers consider legislation during the session.
