Markus Schmidt

The House passed bills to lower the top income tax rate and business taxes. Meanwhile, a Senate panel approved a bill by state Sen. David Suetterlein to prevent political leaders from manipulating the timing of special elections.

Sen. Creigh Deeds sponsored legislation that would ban assault weapons manufactured after June 2023 and raise the age to buy from 18 to 21. The bills proponents say it will help address mass shootings, opponents argue it violates the 2nd Amendment.

Senate Democrats killed three bills that would have restricted abortion, including a 15-week abortion ban that was one of Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s key legislative priorities for this year.

Gov. Youngkin has been working with Republican legislators to draft an abortion bill that could pass a divided legislature since Roe v. Wade fell. Senate Democrats, who hold a 22-18 majority, say all restrictions to abortion will be a non-starter for them.

This week in the General Assembly, Virginia Democrats refused to eliminate the grocery tax, and a House committee rejected a proposal to make Giles County, Pulaski County and Petersburg eligible for tobacco revitalization funds.

As Democrats roll out a slate of gun safety measures, Republicans appear unwilling to even consider compromise.

A roundup of action in the General Assembly on Friday.

In his State of the Commonwealth speech, Youngkin, who is quietly contemplating a presidential run, pushed for quick results. Democrats are unlikely to give them to him, instead advocating for investment in education over Youngkin’s proposed tax breaks.

In an election year when all legislative seats are on the ballot, lawmakers revisit tax relief measures and abortion legislation.