Del. Katrina Callsen

Local school boards; powers and duties; binding arbitration agreements. Permits any school board to enter into a written agreement to submit any existing controversy to binding arbitration and to execute a contract, including a collective bargaining agreement, that contains a provision to submit to binding arbitration any controversy arising thereunder.

Statewide housing targets for localities. Requires localities to increase their total housing stock by at least 7.5 percent over the five-year period beginning January 1, 2027. The bill provides that in order to meet the 7.5 percent growth target, a locality shall develop a housing growth plan that best meets the needs of the locality and may include any of various listed housing growth strategies. The bill further provides that after January 1, 2032, an applicant who seeks local government approval for a residential development that will have the effect of increasing the supply of housing in a locality and has that application rejected may, in addition to other remedies, appeal such decision to the Housing Approval Board, which shall be established by the Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development. The bill authorizes the Housing Approval Board to overturn local decisions and approve applications under certain circumstances. However, if the Housing Approval Board determines that a locality has in good faith implemented at least three of the housing growth strategies listed in the bill and has not rejected more than 25 percent of new housing development proposals over the previous five years, the Housing Approval Board shall allow the local decision to stand. Finally, the bill provides that the Housing Approval Board shall give extra weight for increases in affordable housing and for the rehabilitation of current, underutilized housing stock. The bill has a delayed effective date of July 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis resolution honors the life and contributions of Thomas S. Whipple. It passed the Senate on February 6, 2025, and the House on February 10, 2025, and is now awaiting the governor's action. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not create new laws or affect any policies or individuals.

Maddy summarySJ 344 is a ceremonial resolution commending Elizabeth Carlson Hilscher for her contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, as it is purely an expression of recognition. The resolution passed both the Senate and House by voice vote in February 2025. This type of bill formally honors an individual without imposing any legal requirements or changes.

Court appearance of a person not free on bail. Makes various changes to provisions regarding bail hearings, including (i) the appointment of counsel for the accused, (ii) the information provided to counsel for the accused, (iii) a requirement that counsel for the accused, when practicable, be provided with adequate time to confer with the accused prior to any bail hearing, and (iv) the compensation of counsel for the accused. Effective in due course, the bill provides that the chief judge in each circuit shall create a plan to be completed by November 1, 2025, that establishes the means by which the jurisdiction will meet these requirements. The remainder of the bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 341) is a ceremonial resolution commending the Charlottesville Area Association of REALTORS® for its community contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, regulations, or individuals beyond formally recognizing the organization. The resolution passed unanimously in both the Virginia Senate and House with voice votes in February 2025. As a procedural resolution, it has no binding effect and serves only to express legislative appreciation.

Maddy summaryThis resolution formally honors Vidya Ambati through a commendation. It passed both the Senate and House by voice vote in February 2025, with no policy changes or direct impacts on constituents or laws. As a ceremonial resolution, it serves only to recognize an individual's contributions without altering any regulations or funding.

Maddy summaryThis is a ceremonial resolution (SJ 342) that formally commends Colette Sheehy for her contributions. It does not create new laws or affect any policies, programs, or individuals through legislative action. The resolution was passed unanimously by both the Senate and House in February 2025 as a non-binding expression of appreciation.

First-time Homebuyer Grant Program. Establishes a First-time Homebuyer Grant Program for the purpose of assisting first-time homebuyers with first-time homebuyer expenses, as those terms are defined in the bill. The bill provides that the Department of Housing and Community Development shall award eligible first-time homebuyers a grant in an amount equal to five percent of such expenses incurred during a calendar year, not to exceed $10,000. Any grant awarded pursuant to the Program shall be repaid to the Commonwealth if the property for which expenses were incurred is sold within three years from the purchase date, unless the sale is made following a natural disaster or other act of God.

Collective bargaining by firefighters and emergency medical services providers. Authorizes firefighters and emergency medical services providers employed by a political subdivision of the Commonwealth to engage in collective bargaining through labor organizations or other designated representatives. The bill establishes the Fire Service Cooperation Board to administer its provisions. The bill provides for the appointment of a three-member board of arbitration regarding any dispute arising between an employer and firefighters or emergency medical services providers. Under the bill, determinations made by such board of arbitration are final on a disputed issue and are binding on the parties involved. The bill has a delayed effective date of January 1, 2026.