The opening of the 2025 General Assembly, as seen through images captured by the legendary Richmond photographer.
Politics
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Cannabis bill advances, but Youngkin has said he’s still against legalizing retail sales
Also: The General Assembly honored former Gov. Douglas Wilder on his 94th birthday.
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Subcommittee tables Garrett bill on local land-use decisions
A bill from Del. Tom Garrett, R-Louisa County, would have given local governments the final say in land use decisions over renewable energy projects and data centers.
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Virginia’s emergency response has been hampered by a lack of resources for years. Advocates and lawmakers hope 2025 is the year that will change.
Legislators from both parties have introduced measures to create a stand fund to support emergency management programs across the state.
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Bill would create grants for large-animal veterinarians
The program aims to incentivize professionals in a short-staffed field considered to be crucial for livestock health and food supply.
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Accidents involving horse-drawn buggies prompts bill — and concerns over religious freedom
Legislators grappled with how to regulate Amish buggies without impinging on the sect’s religious beliefs about technology.
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Another push to allow localities to raise sales taxes for schools passes Senate panel
Cifers sworn in. Head’s bill on transportation museum advances but faces uncertain future. Ballard bill to expand Tobacco Commission fails. Stanley bill on child labor passes. Burkes Garden and other small communities might get price break on fireworks.
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Bipartisan legislative effort seeks to regulate data center construction in Virginia
Gov. Glenn Youngkin spoke recently in favor of letting localities, not the General Assembly, decide how and where to approve data centers.
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Stanley’s bill to reduce regulations on health care provider access to machinery killed in subcommittee
Sen. Bill Stanley intended the legislation to increase access to health care services in rural Virginia by reducing regulations. It died in a Senate health subcommittee Tuesday.
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Constitutional amendments on abortion rights, civil rights restoration and same-sex marriage advance
Also: Republicans will try again on “right-to-work” amendment. Pillion co-sponsors bill for Fairfax casino.