(The Center Square) – Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin returned dozens of bills to the general assembly with proposed changes on Monday, the final day to take action on legislation passed during the 2025 session.
Youngkin issued 159 amendments and eight line-item vetoes, including dozens to the state budget.
He signed 599 bills, vetoed 157 and returned House Bill 160—the state budget—with 205 amendments.
Many of the proposed changes focus on education, economic development and energy policy. The governor amended legislation to keep school lunches free from artificial dye, support a nuclear fusion facility, expand rural electric co-op development and promote access to advanced math classes for students.
“The legislation that I’ve signed into law and the budget amendments I’ve put forward this year will go a long way to helping ensure Virginia remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” Youngkin said in a press release.
He continued, “I have returned many bills with recommended amendments, hoping that we can come together next week with common purpose to advance these bills.”
The governor proposed amendments to bills targeting classroom reforms, including measures to address chronic absenteeism and expand school transportation access. Other changes included promoting advanced math education and updating school meal standards.
Several recommendations addressed healthcare protections. One recommendation would have established a right to obtain contraceptives and clarified that sterilization procedures must require voluntary and informed consent.
Another targeted the regulation of toxic heavy metals in baby food, requiring clear labeling and state enforcement aligned with federal standards. A third created new protections under the Medical Debt Protection Act, establishing limits on aggressive debt collection practices.
Regarding economic issues, the governor made changes to legislation that would expand unemployment benefits and update payment systems. Another bill created a regulatory framework to support decentralized autonomous organizations. Amendments also addressed state policy on energy development, including measures promoting zero-carbon electricity and expanded use of renewable energy certificates.
The recommendations touched on a wide range of social programs, including a pilot project to train and license home-based daycare providers and a plan to improve access to public assistance programs. Other changes focused on women’s health, including programs related to menstrual health data collection and pregnancy education initiatives.
Lawmakers will return for the reconvened session on April 17 to vote on whether to accept or reject the governor’s recommendations. They can also attempt to override any vetoes. Overriding a veto requires a two-thirds vote in the House and Senate.
