VAPLAN
@vaplan.bsky.social
Virginia Progressive Legislative Alert Network: tracking and reporting on the Virginia General Assembly sessions
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VAPLAN
@vaplan.bsky.social
· Mar 12
It's here: the 2025 VAPLAN scorecard! - VAPLAN
Every year VAPLAN’s legislative tracking culminates in a scorecard, ranking legislators from most “progressive” to least, across policy areas. We score votes on dozens of ....
vaplan.us
🥁🥁2025 scorecard is out! Most progressive:
H: @ebpforva.bsky.social, @henson4virginia.bsky.social, @delegatecallsen.bsky.social, @adelemcclure.bsky.social & @ireneforva.bsky.social
S: Sen Bagby, @adamebbin.bsky.social, @pwcdanica.bsky.social, @creighdeeds.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social
H: @ebpforva.bsky.social, @henson4virginia.bsky.social, @delegatecallsen.bsky.social, @adelemcclure.bsky.social & @ireneforva.bsky.social
S: Sen Bagby, @adamebbin.bsky.social, @pwcdanica.bsky.social, @creighdeeds.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social
More bills we'll be 👀 this session:
HB44 (@paulkrizek.bsky.social) would make a state-run version of campaign finance data (VPAP is a 501c3 funded by donors, incl. Dominion etc.)
HB289 (@jess4va.com) lets consumers set up small portable solar device NOT connected to the grid.
HB44 (@paulkrizek.bsky.social) would make a state-run version of campaign finance data (VPAP is a 501c3 funded by donors, incl. Dominion etc.)
HB289 (@jess4va.com) lets consumers set up small portable solar device NOT connected to the grid.
January 10, 2026 at 3:06 PM
More bills we'll be 👀 this session:
HB44 (@paulkrizek.bsky.social) would make a state-run version of campaign finance data (VPAP is a 501c3 funded by donors, incl. Dominion etc.)
HB289 (@jess4va.com) lets consumers set up small portable solar device NOT connected to the grid.
HB44 (@paulkrizek.bsky.social) would make a state-run version of campaign finance data (VPAP is a 501c3 funded by donors, incl. Dominion etc.)
HB289 (@jess4va.com) lets consumers set up small portable solar device NOT connected to the grid.
This is one of many bills we can expect to see this session to incentivize increasing the supply of housing--this one has the win-win effect of also incentivizing fewer cars/pollution, and more walkable cities.
New bill, introduced by Del. @shelly_simonds (D-Newport News) "Provides that no locality shall adopt, enforce, or maintain any ordinance, policy, or requirement that mandates a minimum number of parking spaces for any new or existing building, structure" bluevirginia.us/2026/01/frid...
January 10, 2026 at 2:13 PM
This is one of many bills we can expect to see this session to incentivize increasing the supply of housing--this one has the win-win effect of also incentivizing fewer cars/pollution, and more walkable cities.
Sketchy that Dotson has publicly testified to one number (which is lower than what activists report) but the actual number is then being redacted from the report. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
January 7, 2026 at 3:02 PM
Sketchy that Dotson has publicly testified to one number (which is lower than what activists report) but the actual number is then being redacted from the report. virginiamercury.com/2026/01/06/r...
Highlighting a few bills to track so far (before inevitable dump of 2k in a day due shortly):
*⃣ HB23 & SB76 to align all presidential year primaries to March (@helmerva.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social)
*⃣ SB49 (@aaronrouse.bsky.social) to clarify governor appts rules
*⃣ HB9 permanent EDT
*⃣ HB23 & SB76 to align all presidential year primaries to March (@helmerva.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social)
*⃣ SB49 (@aaronrouse.bsky.social) to clarify governor appts rules
*⃣ HB9 permanent EDT
January 6, 2026 at 8:17 PM
Highlighting a few bills to track so far (before inevitable dump of 2k in a day due shortly):
*⃣ HB23 & SB76 to align all presidential year primaries to March (@helmerva.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social)
*⃣ SB49 (@aaronrouse.bsky.social) to clarify governor appts rules
*⃣ HB9 permanent EDT
*⃣ HB23 & SB76 to align all presidential year primaries to March (@helmerva.bsky.social & @scvanvalkenburg.bsky.social)
*⃣ SB49 (@aaronrouse.bsky.social) to clarify governor appts rules
*⃣ HB9 permanent EDT
It's quite an unusual pick too, as the Superintendent is usually picked from within the VSP ranks. Some of the Facebook comments suggest Katz would have a hard time earning the respect of his troopers.
Kinda troubling that far right wingers like former VA Del. Tim Anderson (R) are celebrating (and they most definitely are; check out his Facebook page) this pick (Jeffrey Katz as VSP superintendent). WTF? bluevirginia.us/2026/01/va-g...
January 6, 2026 at 4:16 PM
It's quite an unusual pick too, as the Superintendent is usually picked from within the VSP ranks. Some of the Facebook comments suggest Katz would have a hard time earning the respect of his troopers.
Starting to work on the 2026 legislative tracker (always human-powered, never AI). If there's a particular bill you'd like me to keep a watch on, drop it here! 👇
December 29, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Starting to work on the 2026 legislative tracker (always human-powered, never AI). If there's a particular bill you'd like me to keep a watch on, drop it here! 👇
Awkward (presumably harmless) end to House Select Committee on Stds of Conduct as Del Austin repeatedly pats Chair @candimundonking.bsky.social on the arm & references regular hugs that he thinks were mutual, saying how much he respected her as a legislator & wishes her well in executive.
December 17, 2025 at 8:11 PM
Awkward (presumably harmless) end to House Select Committee on Stds of Conduct as Del Austin repeatedly pats Chair @candimundonking.bsky.social on the arm & references regular hugs that he thinks were mutual, saying how much he respected her as a legislator & wishes her well in executive.
House Select Committee on Standards of Conduct hears from @NCSLorg on how Virginia's standards of confuct compare to those of HI, UT, WA, and WI. Chair @candimundonking.bsky.social says this isn't the same legislature Thomas Jefferson rode his horse & carriage to; it's a modern legislature.
December 17, 2025 at 7:41 PM
House Select Committee on Standards of Conduct hears from @NCSLorg on how Virginia's standards of confuct compare to those of HI, UT, WA, and WI. Chair @candimundonking.bsky.social says this isn't the same legislature Thomas Jefferson rode his horse & carriage to; it's a modern legislature.
Saving this outstanding and riveting presentation to the Joint Finance and Appropriations committee by the Secretary of Finance (I almost fell asleep just writing that!!) for the next time I have insomnia.
December 17, 2025 at 3:46 PM
Saving this outstanding and riveting presentation to the Joint Finance and Appropriations committee by the Secretary of Finance (I almost fell asleep just writing that!!) for the next time I have insomnia.
I really respect @abigailspanberger.com for not rolling her eyes even once during that ridiculous presentation to Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee by Youngkin today.
December 17, 2025 at 3:11 PM
I really respect @abigailspanberger.com for not rolling her eyes even once during that ridiculous presentation to Joint Finance and Appropriations Committee by Youngkin today.
Today at Joint Fin. & Approps, Youngkin talks about how strong Virginia's economy is, ignoring that it's most likely headed into a recession as we've lost thousands of federal jobs, and face SNAP and healthcare crises. Hopefully the last time we'll have to see his lame duck face.
December 17, 2025 at 2:51 PM
Today at Joint Fin. & Approps, Youngkin talks about how strong Virginia's economy is, ignoring that it's most likely headed into a recession as we've lost thousands of federal jobs, and face SNAP and healthcare crises. Hopefully the last time we'll have to see his lame duck face.
Citizen (former legislators) appointments at Joint Rules Committee to Legislative Compensation Commission: former Senators Saslaw and Vogel; former Delegates Avoli, Bourne, Jeff Campbell, Joe Lindsey.
Perhaps they'll finally figure out how to pay legislators more appropriately!
Perhaps they'll finally figure out how to pay legislators more appropriately!
December 17, 2025 at 1:56 PM
Citizen (former legislators) appointments at Joint Rules Committee to Legislative Compensation Commission: former Senators Saslaw and Vogel; former Delegates Avoli, Bourne, Jeff Campbell, Joe Lindsey.
Perhaps they'll finally figure out how to pay legislators more appropriately!
Perhaps they'll finally figure out how to pay legislators more appropriately!
I know this is a great opportunity for @candimundonking.bsky.social and congratulations and all that...but I'm really gonna miss that 🌶️🌶️🔥 on the House floor!!
Governor-Elect Abigail Spanberger Announces Del. Candi Mundon King as Secretary of the Commonwealth Appointment ("The Secretary of the Commonwealth plays a vital role in ensuring that the Office of the Governor is responsive to the needs of Virginians") bluevirginia.us/2025/12/gove...
Governor-Elect Spanberger Announces Del. Candi Mundon King as Secretary of the Commonwealth Appointment
From Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger's office; congrats to Del. Candi Mundon King on her appointment as the next Virginia Secetary of the Commonwealth! Governor-Elect Spanberger Announces Secretary ...
bluevirginia.us
December 10, 2025 at 2:39 PM
I know this is a great opportunity for @candimundonking.bsky.social and congratulations and all that...but I'm really gonna miss that 🌶️🌶️🔥 on the House floor!!
Glad they made this (bad) decision in time for the start of Virginia's legislative session. And double glad Virginia's Democrats had the foresight to be a step ahead. ♟️♟️
The justices acted on an emergency request from Texas for quick action because qualifying in the new districts already began.
Supreme Court allows Texas to use a congressional map favorable to Republicans in 2026
The justices acted on an emergency request from Texas for quick action because qualifying in the new districts already began.
richmond.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM
Glad they made this (bad) decision in time for the start of Virginia's legislative session. And double glad Virginia's Democrats had the foresight to be a step ahead. ♟️♟️
DANG! This is how many people may be eligible to have their criminal records sealed automatically or by petition, enabling them to get a fresh start! (Not all will ultimately qualify, but still.)
December 2, 2025 at 6:14 PM
DANG! This is how many people may be eligible to have their criminal records sealed automatically or by petition, enabling them to get a fresh start! (Not all will ultimately qualify, but still.)
Presentation to Crime Commish: Here's the potential impact of "one bad apple" in the prosecution system. One criminal forensics tech, Mary Jane Burton--who may have tampered with the evidence--touched THIS many cases. Note how many are incarcerated, and eight who were EXECUTED.
December 2, 2025 at 5:54 PM
Presentation to Crime Commish: Here's the potential impact of "one bad apple" in the prosecution system. One criminal forensics tech, Mary Jane Burton--who may have tampered with the evidence--touched THIS many cases. Note how many are incarcerated, and eight who were EXECUTED.
The Virginia-Israel Advisory Board (the only other country with which we seem to have such a board) has a meeting scheduled now on LIS, but there's no agenda anywhere, it's not streamed, and it's not listed on the VA studies webpage. studies.virginiageneralassembly.gov/studies/163
Interim Studies
studies.virginiageneralassembly.gov
December 2, 2025 at 2:59 PM
The Virginia-Israel Advisory Board (the only other country with which we seem to have such a board) has a meeting scheduled now on LIS, but there's no agenda anywhere, it's not streamed, and it's not listed on the VA studies webpage. studies.virginiageneralassembly.gov/studies/163
Better idea: stay on as GOP Chair, and step down from the Senate! It's not like he passes any bills anyway--or even patrons anything actually meant to solve the problems his constituents face.
Reaction to VA GOP Chair Mark Peake's announcement that he'll be stepping down at the end of the year: former Del. Tim Anderson (R) says "Whatever happens - it needs to be quick and we need to be on the ground running by January 1"
bluevirginia.us/2025/12/mond...
bluevirginia.us/2025/12/mond...
December 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Better idea: stay on as GOP Chair, and step down from the Senate! It's not like he passes any bills anyway--or even patrons anything actually meant to solve the problems his constituents face.
Heck yeah!!
Attorney General-Elect Jay Jones Moves to Protect Virginia’s Background Check Law; Jones Files Motion to Extend Appeal Deadline After Attorney General Miyares Fails to Act bluevirginia.us/2025/12/mond...
December 2, 2025 at 2:05 PM
Heck yeah!!
Also: UVA mgmt threw a longtime "shared governance" policy away so they could negotiate with the feds in secret without offending the feds by giving faculty any voice in the deal they cut.
TL;DR of UVA testimony at Senate Finance Ed subcommittee: it was too expensive, too scary and might have taken too long to fight Trump and the DOJ in court against accusations they were discriminating (i.e. considering DEI in any way), so they caved to the whims of the dictator.
December 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
Also: UVA mgmt threw a longtime "shared governance" policy away so they could negotiate with the feds in secret without offending the feds by giving faculty any voice in the deal they cut.
TL;DR of UVA testimony at Senate Finance Ed subcommittee: it was too expensive, too scary and might have taken too long to fight Trump and the DOJ in court against accusations they were discriminating (i.e. considering DEI in any way), so they caved to the whims of the dictator.
December 1, 2025 at 4:08 PM
TL;DR of UVA testimony at Senate Finance Ed subcommittee: it was too expensive, too scary and might have taken too long to fight Trump and the DOJ in court against accusations they were discriminating (i.e. considering DEI in any way), so they caved to the whims of the dictator.
Yesterday: Autism Advisory Council voted 👍 Sen Pekarsky bill to add Blue Envelope program info to Driver's Ed curriculum; & @laurajanecohen.bsky.social leg. facilitating high school (IDEA std)->college (ADA std) transitions, and to study a pilot 4-year college program akin to Mason Life.
November 19, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Yesterday: Autism Advisory Council voted 👍 Sen Pekarsky bill to add Blue Envelope program info to Driver's Ed curriculum; & @laurajanecohen.bsky.social leg. facilitating high school (IDEA std)->college (ADA std) transitions, and to study a pilot 4-year college program akin to Mason Life.
Sadly, I suspect VA voters who elected a Youngkin 4 yrs ago don't support ending RTW. VA may not be there ideologically. Legislators may not want to have to all vote on this. But a smart governor will work w legislature to at least chip away at RTW & find labor wins through this.
November 19, 2025 at 1:19 PM
Sadly, I suspect VA voters who elected a Youngkin 4 yrs ago don't support ending RTW. VA may not be there ideologically. Legislators may not want to have to all vote on this. But a smart governor will work w legislature to at least chip away at RTW & find labor wins through this.
I've been "educated" over on *that other site* that this change is something experts in education support, but my main point re: the timing and how headlines next year will scream about scores plummeting under Gov Spanberger is still correct.
The tl;dr is that Youngkin put in place a new (untested and nonstandard) way to measure--just in the future--how well Virginia is educating her children that will make it look like Governor Spanberger isn't doing well. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/h...
Higher SOL cut scores coming, but not this year, Virginia board says • Virginia Mercury
Virginia will delay raising its academic benchmarks in reading and math until the following school year — a pause that gives teachers and school divisions a brief breather before higher proficiency st...
virginiamercury.com
November 14, 2025 at 2:58 PM
I've been "educated" over on *that other site* that this change is something experts in education support, but my main point re: the timing and how headlines next year will scream about scores plummeting under Gov Spanberger is still correct.
The tl;dr is that Youngkin put in place a new (untested and nonstandard) way to measure--just in the future--how well Virginia is educating her children that will make it look like Governor Spanberger isn't doing well. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/h...
Higher SOL cut scores coming, but not this year, Virginia board says • Virginia Mercury
Virginia will delay raising its academic benchmarks in reading and math until the following school year — a pause that gives teachers and school divisions a brief breather before higher proficiency st...
virginiamercury.com
November 14, 2025 at 12:51 PM
The tl;dr is that Youngkin put in place a new (untested and nonstandard) way to measure--just in the future--how well Virginia is educating her children that will make it look like Governor Spanberger isn't doing well. virginiamercury.com/2025/11/14/h...