We’ve just wrapped up the second week of session! I had a busy and productive week meeting with advocacy groups from around Virginia, chairing my first subcommittee meetings, presenting my first bills of the session, and participating in activities throughout the General Assembly building.
In addition to being appointed Vice Chair of the Public Safety Committee, I have also been appointed Chairwoman of two subcommittees on General Laws: Procurement & Open Government and Subcommittee #5. This is a new, exciting opportunity and I am honored to help lead these important committees.
I’ve included some key updates below from our second week here in Richmond.
Additionally, as we anticipate a major winter storm this weekend, I’ve made sure to include a list of helpful resources at the bottom of this email. Please take this storm seriously and make all preparations to ensure that you and your family stay safe.
Legislative Updates
This week, I presented three of my bills: HB20, HB329, and HB331. All three are bills that have previously passed the General Assembly, but were vetoed by the previous governor.
I presented HB20 in Subcommittee #2 of the Labor and Commerce committee. This legislation would finally ensure farmworkers and temporary workers are included in Virginia’s minimum wage law and remove a vestige of Jim Crow from the Virginia Code. This bill would effectively end the practice of underpaying our hardworking farm laborers and ensure those who harvest our food can also afford to purchase it. I am exceptionally grateful for all the community members who joined alongside me to express their support for this legislation, including the Legal Aid Justice Center. HB20 was reported on a 5-2 vote.
Presenting HB20 in Subcommittee #2 of House Labor and Commerce. It was recommended to be reported on a vote of 5-2
On Thursday, I also had the opportunity to present HB329 to the Housing/Consumer Protection subcommittee of the House General Laws Committee. This legislation would make it clear that landlords cannot retaliate against tenants. I’m pleased to announce that this reported out of the subcommittee unanimously with bipartisan support.
Voting board for HB329, which reported out of subcommittee unanimously
On Wednesday, I presented HB331 to the Criminal Subcommittee of Courts of Justice. This legislation ensures that those on probation will not receive a guilty sentence simply for failure to pay court costs if they have satisfied all other terms of their probation. This bill also passed out of the subcommittee unanimously with bipartisan support.
Presenting HB331 in Criminal Subcommittee of House Courts of Justice. It passed unanimously.
Additionally, I am proud to announce that I have filed additional legislation to assist our residents in need and continue delivering for all Virginians.
HB1405 would establish a funeral/burial assistance program, administered by local social services departments, to any descendants of those who are recipients of social services or supplemental security income to pay for funeral/burial expenses
HB1498 would establish an interagency council to combat homelessness
I look forward to continuing to champion these bills in the General Assembly and move my legislative agenda forward with your support.
I’m also sharing a few updates on the bills where I am the Chief Co-Patron:
HB 24: Gun Safety Measure Patroned by Delegate Helmer. This bill prevents non-military Virginia residents who have not been issued a Virginia concealed handgun or weapon permit, from using out-of-state concealed weapon permits and licensure to carry a concealed weapon in the state of Virginia.
This bill has been assigned to the Firearms subcommittee that I serve on.
HB 278: Patroned by Delegate Clark, this bill protects tenants from rent-gouging practices. This is a measure I’ve been working on with Delegate Clark for many years.
Unfortunately, this bill will be continued to the 2027 General Assembly Session as stakeholders continue working on the bill.
HB 912: Patroned by Delegate Lopez, this bill ensures all children within the Commonwealth, regardless of immigration status, have access to free public education through secondary school. This bill has been referred to the education committee and is awaiting action.
HB 1092: Patroned by Delegate Hernandez, this bill protects workers from heat illnesses by requiring the Safety and Health Codes Board to adopt protective regulations and standards. This bill has been assigned to the Labor and Commerce Committee and is awaiting action.
Committee Activities
This week was full of committee meetings, including the subcommittees that I am proud to chair.
On Tuesday, I chaired the first meeting of the Procurement/Open Government subcommittee of the General Laws Committee legislative session. In my subcommittee, Delegate Simon’s bill HB159 regarding tightening FOIA enforcements passed unanimously, and will move forward to full committee. Watch the full meeting here.
Chairing the Procurement and Open Government subcommittee for the first time this week
Today, I also had the privilege chairing the General Law’s Subcommittee #5. We heard important, in-depth testimony on two bills: one regarding the adult-use marijuana market and another focused on medicinal marijuana labeling and delivery. Watch the full meeting here.
Chairing Subcommittee #5 subcommittee for the first time today while hearing Chairman Krizek presents his HB642
I also attended our weekly House Public Safety Committee meeting where we took action on several bills and sent some bills out of committee to the House floor. Take a look at the full docket here.
Gun Violence Prevention Press Conference
This week, I joined my colleagues of the Gun Violence Prevention Caucus for a press conference to outline our legislative priorities for this session. I shared details about HB19, which would close a deadly loophole and ensure that no individual convicted of assault and battery against their intimate partner is able to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm. I am proud to be carry this bill in the House alongside Senator Russet Perry who is carrying this bill in the Senate.
House and Senate Gun Violence Prevention Caucus members discussed legislative priorities this session during press conference
Upcoming Events
Arlington Dems New Years Potluck
Bring a dish and a friend and join your local fellow Arlington Democrats for a potluck!
When: January 25th at 6 p.m.
Where: The event will take place in a residential building in Ballston, just a short walk from Ballston Quarter and the Ballston Metro. The exact address and entry instructions will be emailed to registered guests a few days before the event. Sign-Up and register here.
NAACP January General Membership Meeting: Building a Beloved Community
This meeting’s theme is “Building a Beloved Community,” and the guest speaker will be Rev. Dr. Adrian Nelson II, the pastor of Lomax African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church and Dr. King Scholar. This event is free and open to the public.
When: Monday, January 26th from 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: Zoom. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.
Resources for Weekend Storm
A significant winter storm is expected to impact Virginia this weekend, beginning on Saturday afternoon and overnight into Sunday, with heavy snow, sleet and freezing rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a Winter Storm Warning for Arlington, with an estimate of 7 to 14 inches of snow. The NWS has also issued a Cold Weather Advisory, with wind chills as low as 9 below.
It may take 36-48 hours after the snow has stopped before Arlington County plows can begin clearing residential streets or trails. For your safety and for the safety of others, the most important thing you can do is stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary. If you absolutely must drive, check road conditions here.
To receive free alerts and updates on hazardous weather, emergencies, and more, sign up for Arlington Alert. Severe winter weather may cause power outages. I strongly encourage you to remain calm, informed, and prepared as the weather worsens, so make sure you have emergency alerts enabled on your phone.
The health and safety of my constituents is one of my highest priorities, so I have also included some important hotlines for Arlington County. To inquire about specific snow related concerns and snow operation updates, please contact the following:
Public Schools: 703-228-4277
Parks and Recreation: 703-228-4715
State roads VDOT: 888-383-8368
Downed power lines, blocked roads, and other safety issues: 911
Downed power lines Dominion Energy: 866-366-4357
Gas emergencies Washington Gas:703-558-2222
Towed Cars During Snow Emergency: 703-558-2222
Additional important resources:
Information regarding snow and ice prep for Arlington, VA.
Arlington Transit Inclement Weather Policy
Virginia Department of Emergency Management Winter Weather Preparedness
ICYMI: Governor Spanberger provided an informative press conference yesterdayupdating Virginians about the storm and what to expect.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office. We have so much work to do, and I appreciate your feedback and input. Don’t hesitate to email my office in Richmond at [email protected], or give us a call at (804) 698-1002. I look forward to hearing from you!
Yours in Service,
Delegate Adele McClure, HD-2
