Sen. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker

Employment health and safety standards; heat illness prevention. Requires the Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt regulations establishing reasonable standards designed to protect employees from heat illness and establish a list of high-hazard industries, as defined in the bill. The bill authorizes a person aggrieved by a violation of its provisions or the regulations promulgated thereunder to seek to obtain injunctive relief, to recover statutory damages of $1000, or both, in an action commenced within one year of the cause of action. The bill requires the Safety and Health Codes Board, in consultation with the Department of Labor and Industry, to develop a list of high-hazard industries by January 1, 2026, and to develop and adopt regulations requiring employers in high-hazard industries to implement standards for heat illness prevention by May 1, 2026.

Board of Education; Standards of Learning assessments; availability in commonly spoken languages other than English. Requires the Board of Education to prioritize the incorporation of Standards of Learning assessments in commonly spoken languages in the Commonwealth other than English into its statewide student assessment system, and in any contract that it enters into with a third party for the development, establishment, and maintenance of such system.

Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program. Establishes the Employee Child Care Assistance Pilot Program (the Program) to provide matching funds to employers in order to incentivize employers to contribute to the child care costs of their employees. The Program shall be administered by the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation (the Foundation). To participate in the Program, an employer shall agree to make child care contributions to the eligible mixed-delivery provider on behalf of the employee and shall provide any other information deemed necessary by the Foundation. To the extent funds are available, the Foundation shall issue a state match directly to such eligible mixed-delivery provider or to a third-party administrator. Program funds shall be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis; however, the Foundation is encouraged to prioritize awards to proposals involving contributions from small businesses. The bill requires the Virginia Early Childhood Foundation to provide an interim report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2026, and a summative report to the General Assembly by September 1, 2027, on the effectiveness and impact of the Program.

Maddy summaryThis bill (SJ 326) is a symbolic resolution commending the Self Storage Association for its 50th anniversary. It does not create new laws or affect any individuals, businesses, or policies. The resolution formally recognizes the association's contributions to the industry through a formal statement adopted by both legislative chambers. It passed the Senate and House by voice vote in February 2025, following standard procedure for commemorative resolutions.

Maddy summarySJ 328 is a non-binding ceremonial resolution honoring Michele Irene Chapman. It serves as a formal tribute to her life and legacy without implementing any policy changes or affecting any laws. The resolution passed both the Senate and House with no substantive provisions. As a commemorative measure, it has no direct impact on constituents or legislative action.

Maddy summaryThis resolution commends sprinter Noah Lyles for his athletic achievements. It is a ceremonial measure with no policy provisions or direct impact on legislation or constituents. The bill passed both chambers by voice vote and was formally adopted. As a commendation, it does not create new laws or affect any specific group.

Maddy summaryThis resolution (SJ 329) formally commends the Alexandria Little League Intermediate Division baseball team for their accomplishments. It directly recognizes the team's efforts and achievements as a youth sports organization. The resolution serves as a symbolic gesture of appreciation from the state legislature, with no associated policy changes or financial obligations. As a ceremonial resolution, it does not affect laws, regulations, or any individuals beyond expressing official praise.

Future in Focus Program. Establishes the Future in Focus Program to provide services and support to individuals 21, 22, and 23 years of age who participated in the Fostering Futures program immediately prior to attaining 21 years of age. Such services and support shall be designed to assist participants in transitioning to adulthood, becoming self-sufficient, and creating permanent, positive relationships. The bill directs the State Board of Social Services to promulgate regulations to implement the bill's provisions.

Wage garnishment; state or local tax debt. Provides that the maximum part of the aggregate disposable earnings of an individual for any workweek that is subject to garnishment to collect delinquent taxes and charges owed to the state or any local government shall not exceed 25 percent of such individual's disposable earnings for that week. The bill contains technical amendments and applies only to garnishments issued on and after January 1, 2026.

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.