Del. Austin Reports From Richmond
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Richmond, VA (Feb. 23, 2026) - To the Constituents of the 37th House District,
The sixth week of the 2026 General Assembly session has concluded. With Crossover falling on Tuesday, February 17, the House will now consider only legislation passed by the Senate, except for the budget bill, which remains a working document throughout the remainder of session.
This year, 1,520 bills were introduced in the House and 808 in the Senate. Of those, 841 House bills crossed over to the Senate, and 496 Senate bills are now before the House. The major measures advancing this session reflect a coordinated effort by the Democrat majority to reshape Virginia’s election processes, expand firearm restrictions, and deepen state involvement in energy policy.
This past week, the Circuit Court in Tazewell County issued a ruling directing the State Board of Elections to halt proceeding with the referendum under the current ballot language. The court found that statutory requirements had not been met, including the obligation to post the proposed constitutional amendment in all localities at least 90 days prior to the election. The court further determined that the phrase stating the amendment would “restore fairness” was not neutral, as required by Virginia law, but instead introduced advocacy into what must be an objective description of the proposal.
The Attorney General has announced an immediate appeal to the Supreme Court of Virginia. Thus, litigation remains ongoing and potentially distracting. I encourage everyone to make a plan to vote in the April 21 redistricting referendum. While the courts will determine the timing and final ballot language, your proactive engagement remains essential.
At issue is more than imprecise wording. The proposed amendment would authorize the Democrat-controlled General Assembly to temporarily override Virginia’s existing redistricting framework, established by the 2020 constitutional amendment approved by two-thirds of Virginia voters, and draw new congressional districts for the 2026 congressional elections before reverting to the current system after 2030. Whatever one’s position on the policy itself, ballot language must inform voters, not persuade them. Transparency and neutrality are essential to maintaining public trust.
The House has also passed legislation, of which I opposed, to enter Virginia into the National Popular Vote Compact. Under this agreement, once states totaling a majority of the Electoral College join, Virginia would award its 13 electoral votes to the national popular vote winner, even if that candidate does not carry the Commonwealth.
Such a significant alteration to our presidential election process should occur, if at all, through amendment to the U.S. Constitution rather than through an interstate compact. Under this proposal, Virginians could cast their ballots for one candidate yet see the Commonwealth’s electoral votes awarded to another based on vote totals in larger states such as California or New York.
Multiple bills advancing this session will substantially expand restrictions on commonly owned firearms. I voted no on all these bills and will continue to do so as the Senate cognates come before the House. The most consequential proposals prohibit the sale, transfer, or manufacture of certain semi-automatic firearms defined by magazine capacity and specific features. While the House and Senate versions differ in scope, both will criminalize future sales and transfers of firearms meeting these definitions.
Additional measures restrict the public carrying of similarly defined firearms and impose further regulations on unserialized or plastic firearms. Another bill increases the tax on ammunition. Taken together, these proposals represent one of the most sweeping expansions of firearm regulation in recent years and raise significant constitutional concerns for law-abiding Virginians.
The House majority has also approved legislation to re-enter the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). While proponents argue the program generates revenue for environmental and resiliency projects, it functions in practice as an indirect energy tax that places upward pressure on electricity rates for families and businesses. At a time when Virginians are already facing elevated energy costs and broader inflationary pressures, adding compliance costs through RGGI participation is likely to exacerbate those burdens. As demand for reliable power continues to grow, affordability and grid stability must remain central considerations in long-term energy policy decisions. I voted against this measure for these reasons.
This week we welcomed to the capitol realtors from back home, students from Mountain Gateway and Virginia Western community colleges, and VMI cadets. It was a privilege to introduce the cadets and Mountain Gateway students to my colleagues on the House floor. It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates. If I may be of assistance, or if you would like to share your views on any legislative matter, please contact me at DelTAustin@House.Virginia.gov or 804-698-1037. | | | | | |
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