Del. Austin Reports On General Assembly Action (Week 3)
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Richmond, VA (Feb. 2, 2026) -
To the constituents of the 37th House District,
Week three of the General Assembly session has concluded and, with more than 2,600 bills introduced, several major policy debates are now taking shape. The House majority has introduced legislation that increases taxes, limits law enforcement’s abilities to effectively perform its duties, exposes companies to liability for the actions of their customers, allows one political party to redraw congressional political boundaries, and questions continued state support for the oldest public senior military college in the United States.
Even as the cost of living remains at the forefront of Virginians’ concerns, the majority has advanced legislation that expands sales taxes to services that are currently tax-free, establishes new income tax brackets, and increases taxes on businesses and investment income. While these proposals are often framed as improving “affordability,” they will increase costs for many Virginia families and employers.
Other legislation limits Virginia’s cooperation with federal law-enforcement agencies and exposes firearm manufacturers and sellers to lawsuits for crimes committed by third parties. Congress enacted the Protection of Lawful Commerce in Arms Act specifically to prevent this type of litigation, which previously targeted other lawful industries. Additional bills restrict cooperation between local and federal law enforcement authorities, including some that penalize officers for assisting with federal operations. Ensuring that dangerous criminals are removed from our communities is essential to public safety. In the end, these bills are more likely to invite costly lawsuits instead of improving public safety.
In the coming days, the Governor is expected to sign legislation significantly altering Virginia’s congressional redistricting process. Despite successful ongoing legal challenges, the majority is moving forward against the will of the two-thirds of Virginians who voted to do away with political gerrymandering. Voters will ultimately have the final say, and I encourage you to stay engaged and continue to plan for an upcoming election on April 21st. Information on voting options, including permanent absentee status, is available through the Virginia Department of Elections. Please take the time to educate yourself, your family and your friends on the detrimental effect this would have for our region and rural Virginia.
HB 1377 creates a task force to examine whether the Virginia Military Institute should remain a state-supported institution. I continue to work with the bill patron and VMI to find common ground and have emphasized VMI’s long-standing role in producing countless military and civilian leaders over its 187-year history. The cadets who have been visiting Richmond to advocate for the institution make a powerful impression with their professional demeanor and strong character. The outpouring of support for VMI that my office and the General Assembly have received from alumni, parents, and citizens across the commonwealth and country is as heartening as it is unsurprising. I will continue to do everything I can to ensure that VMI is strengthened during this time of increased scrutiny.
My own legislation is progressing through the committee process:
• HB 785 addresses a shortage, especially in rural areas, of qualified instructors for dual enrollment and career and technical education courses, at a time when demand for high-paying construction workers, electricians, and other professional trades continues to increase. The bill restores a three-year licensure pathway for accredited college faculty to teach these courses in high schools. Its provisions were incorporated into HB 332, which often happens when the majority has a similar bill, and ensures the intent of this policy moves forward. This is a positive step forward that ensures students pursuing professional certifications in high-demand fields are not limited by a shortage of qualified industry instructors.
• HB 786 grants local school boards the authority to regulate the sale of energy drinks in high schools. While federal standards allow certain caffeinated beverages, Virginia law does not clearly give state or local officials authority over these products. This bill fills that gap and allows decisions to be made locally. It reported from the House Education Committee 20-1.
• HB 788 helps public-safety tow and recovery operators obtain necessary contact information after clearing accidents at law enforcement’s request. These operators clear wrecks, reopen lanes, and restore traffic flow. Yet after performing this essential service, they often can’t obtain basic contact information to charge for their work, especially when dealing with out-of-state drivers. This bill ensures operators can recover costs instead of absorbing losses while providing a public benefit. It reported from House Transportation unanimously.
• HB 791 modernizes Virginia’s charitable raffle laws by allowing electronic payments and electronic drawings at large-scale sporting events. The bill updates an outdated paper-based system, improving security, transparency, and efficiency while reducing administrative costs. It is narrowly limited to professional sports, NCAA-sanctioned events, and NASCAR, does not expand gambling, and does not affect small or local charitable raffles. It reported from House General Laws 20-1.
• HB 1138, based on recommendations from the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, updates wage standards for the Virginia Jobs Investment Program and Virginia Investment Performance Grants. It ties incentives to the prevailing average wage in each locality, modernizing outdated thresholds while maintaining flexibility for distressed areas. JLARC data shows these changes strengthen accountability and attract higher wage jobs without reducing Virginia’s competitiveness with other states. It reported unanimously from Appropriations.
It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates. If I can be of assistance to you, or you would like to share your position on any of my legislative priorities, please do not hesitate to contact me at DelTAustin@House.Virginia.gov or 804-698-1037.
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