Despite the icy conditions here in Richmond, the General Assembly was still hard at work on behalf of Virginians! This week was packed with committee meetings, press conferences, and taking actions on the House floor. Because of the weather, many constituents were unable to make it down to visit the Capitol this week, but I am looking forward to welcoming you all to my office in the coming weeks to continue discussing your priorities and gathering your feedback.
This week, I was appointed to serve on another Public Safety subcommittee, Subcommittee #3 – this makes a total of 10 committees and subcommittees that I serve on.
I am looking forward to working on critical legislation in this subcommittee with my Public Safety colleagues.
Keep reading to find out what I was up to during this busy and frozen week in Richmond!
Legislative Updates
We are slowly inching closer toward Crossover (when the bills that passed in one chamber cross over to the other chamber and vice versa), so this week I was busy hearing and presenting multiple bills in different House subcommittees.
On Tuesday, I presented HB330 to the Transportation and Funding subcommittee of the Transportation committee. This bill would provide the Washington Metro Area Transportation Authority (WMATA) the opportunity to seek federal, state and local authorization to advertise on WMATA assets, such as parking garages. Once this authorization is granted across all levels of government, WMATA is projected to generate nearly $8 million in revenue. This is an innovative legislative measure that will generate more resources for WMATA operations, infrastructure, and service. HB330 was reported out of full committee unanimously.
Presenting HB330 in Transportation and Funding subcommittee of House Transportation. It was unanimously reported out of full committee and heading to the House Floor.
On Wednesday, every Delegate had the opportunity to present their top budget priorities to the Appropriations committee. My three priorities included the establishment of the Employee Childcare Assistance Program, increasing funding for the Virginia Eviction Diversion Program, and supporting Community Service Boards across the state with a needs assessment to identify ways to support those facing mental health and/or substance use challenges.
Presenting my priority budget amendments to the full Appropriations committee on Wednesday. Looking forward to these items to be included in the final budget.
On Thursday, I started my morning by presenting HB524 to Subcommittee #2 of the Counties, Cities, and Towns committee. This bill would allow Arlington County, if local leadership chose, to adopt a Tourism Improvement District, which will enhance the county’s ability to conduct destination marketing, promote hospitality, and increase tourism to our area. Today, HB524 was reported out of full committee and now heads to the House Floor.
Presenting HB524 in Subcommittee #2 of House Counties, Cities, and Towns. This bill now heads to the House Floor after being reported today.
On Thursday, I also presented two bills in the Housing/Consumer Protection subcommittee of General Laws: HB834 and HB837.
HB834 is a bill I introduced in a previous session. It passed the General Assembly in 2024 but was vetoed by the Governor. The common sense housing justice bill requires landlords to make reasonable efforts to meet with tenants whose units have been damaged by fire or other casualty events to discuss the extent of the damage and whether there are reasonable alternatives to terminating tenancy. This bill would prevent unnecessary and abrupt displacement of tenants. I was inspired to introduce this bill after what happened in my district at the Crystal Plaza Apartments. I worked with the landlord of this apartment complex and others to draft this bill. HB834 was recommended to be reported to the Full Committee with a vote of 9-1.
Presenting HB834 in Housing/Consumer Protections subcommittee of House General Laws. It will be voted on in full committee next week.
HB837 would expand the eligibility for the Eviction Diversion Program throughout the state, including lowering initial cost barriers and removing overly strict late-payment disqualifications. Courts would also be required to share information about the program to any tenants who may have been served an eviction notice. HB837 was recommended to be reported to the Full Committee with a vote of 8-2.
Final subcommittee voting board for HB837
Late on Thursday, I also presented HB19 in my Firearms subcommittee of Public Safety. This legislation ensures that no individual convicted of assault and battery against an intimate partner will be able to purchase, possess, or transport a firearm. This bill would close a very deadly loophole in our gun laws by clearly acknowledging abuse by intimate partners. This has been a legislative focus of mine for several years, and I am proud that it was recommended to be reported and referred to Appropriations with a vote of 7-3.
After taking action on several firearms legislation, I presented my bill HB19 in Firearms subcommittee.
After the Floor session on Friday, I presented HB18 in the Elementary and Secondary Education subcommittee of Appropriations. This bill would establish the Employee Child Care Assistance Program to provide the framework and opportunity for Virginia to build its own model to incentivize employers to contribute to the child care costs of their employees. I secured $25 million in the budget last year for this program, but unfortunately, the previous Governor line-item vetoed it in the budget. I pursued this measure this session, and I’m glad to share that it was recommended to be reported on a vote of 6-0.
Presenting HB18 after House Floor session today. It reported unanimously.
This week, my first bill of the 2026 session made it to the House floor: HB329. This bill was unanimously reported by the General Laws Committee and will be up for a vote on the House Floor next week. Watch my House Floor presentation here.
Committee Activities
It was another week of full committee meetings. I attended my first Department of Motor Vehicles subcommittee meeting where we discussed 14 bills. Of those 14, we recommended reporting 10 bills. Review the full docket here.
On Tuesday, I chaired my second Procurement/Open Government subcommittee meeting, where we took action on 13 bills. Watch the full meeting here.
And today, Friday, I served as the Vice Chair of the Public Safety committee, where we heard reports from several subcommittees, including my Firearms subcommittee. Additionally, the full committee heard HB286 (Helmer) which would expand the General Assembly’s authority, in conjunction with the Governor, to deter the politicalization of Virginia’s National Guard. It was reported and is heading to the House floor on a vote of 15-6. Watch the full meeting here.
House Democratic Caucus ICE Press Conference
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of joining my House Democratic Caucus colleagues to discuss the devastating events in Minneapolis. We established a shared position as a caucus, standing firm against the abuses of power perpetrated by ICE. We also discussed a variety of legislative options to establish critical safeguards to protect our residents from physical abuse and the infringement of their rights.
Standing with the House Democratic Caucus on protecting Virginians against ICE
On the House Floor
Recognizing Minneapolis
Delegate Josh Thomas stood on the House Floor to speak about the dangerous events taking place in Minneapolis. As a United States Marine Corp Veteran, Delegate Thomas has personal knowledge of what it takes to maintain public safety. Delegate Thomas rightfully stated that maintaining public safety does notinclude violating a U.S. citizen’s first, second, and fourth Amendment Rights, nor does it include the shameless murder of civilians. Watch Delegate Thomas’ powerful floor speech here.
I was devastated to hear the news of Alex Jeffrey Pretti killing. Alex was an ICU nurse in Minneapolis who worked for the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, caring for our wounded service members. Sadly, Alex Pretti is just one of ICE’s latest victims. Their actions across the country represent a gross abuse of federal power, a disregard for our lives and our freedoms, and it is beyond tragic to watch as masked ICE agents tear apart communities and harm families.
My heart breaks for Minneapolis. It is not lost on me that many of my constituents within the district are impacted, and their safety will always be a top priority. I am proud to be Vice Chair of the House Public Safety committee where I remain laser focused on the safety of citizens across the Commonwealth. That includes identifying actions we can take at the state level to protect residents from ICE’s ongoing abuse of power.
Welcoming Allies for Housing Action Coalition
On Thursday, It was my honor to introduce the Allies for Housing Action Coalition to the House Chamber Floor. Allies for Housing Action Coalition is Virginia’s only statewide coalition focused on legislating renters’ rights. View full introduction here.
Adele in the News
The Richmond Times-Dispatch featured an article focused on HB18, by bill which would establish the Employee Child Care Assistance Program. Child care costs are affecting families in every corner of the Commonwealth, myself included. Rising costs make it incredibly difficult for growing families to return to the workforce and remain in their communities. I have been working tirelessly to establish this program since I entered office in 2024, and each year this proposal was vetoed by the previous Governor. I am hopeful that this year we will finally have the support we need to establish this necessary program that will help make Virginia more affordable for families. Read the full article here.
Happenings in the Second District
Upcoming Special Election
Remain politically engaged by casting your vote in the upcoming Special Election for State Senate District 39! State Senate District 39 includes voters residing in Pentagon/Crystal City, Aurora Highlands, and East Arlington Ridge. To verify your eligibility to vote in this election and to find more information, please visit https://vote.arlingtonva.gov/
Registration Deadline: February 3rd, 2026.
Early Voting: January 31st – February 7th, 2026.
Deadline to request Mail Ballot: January 30th at 5:00 p.m.
Election Day Voting: February 10th, 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Precinct Ops Book Club: February Meeting
Get together with your neighbors for a lively book discussion on Yaa Gyasi’s Homegoing.
When: Tuesday, February 3, 6:30 – 8pm EST
Where: This event is in person; address given upon sign up.
Free Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Testing
Arlington County Public Health is hosting a FREE, drop-in, Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) testing day. Get your test results right before Valentine’s Day. All over the age of 13 are welcome. No insurance or appointment needed.
When: Tuesday, February 3, 3 – 6 p.m
Where: 2100 Washington Blvd., Second Floor, Arlington, VA 22204
Arlington Democrats February Meeting
Join your fellow Arlington Democrats during their monthly committee meeting at the Lubber Run Community Center. Congressman Beyer will provide an update on the redistricting effort as well as new opportunities to get out the vote and keep Arlington safe from ICE. Register here.
When: Wednesday, February 4, 7 – 9pm EST
Where: Lubber Run Community Center, 300 N Park Dr Arlington, VA 22203
Sorensen High School Leaders Program (HSLP)
Attention high School Students! The Sorensen Institute for Political Leadership is seeking civic-minded students from across Virginia to apply to the 2026 High School Leaders Program (HSLP). The HSLP is a two-week summer program designed for Virginia high school students who have a passion for public service, civic engagement, and political leadership.
The online application for the 2026 HSLP is open through Monday, March 16, and supplemental materials are due by Friday, March 20. To learn more or refer a candidate, visit https://www.coopercenter.org/sorensen/hslp.
As always, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office anytime. We have so much work to do, and I always appreciate hearing your views on legislation and your feedback. 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
