We just wrapped up the first week of Crossover!
We are officially a little over halfway through the 2026 Legislative Session. This week we cast our final votes on the House floor, just in time for Crossover this Wednesday. “Crossover” is when all the bills that have passed the House go through (or crossover to) the Senate for further consideration, and vice versa. Bills must pass both chambers before being sent to the Governor for final approval.
I am particularly happy to announce that five more of my bills (HB82, HB524, HB527, HB838, and HB1405) all passed through the House this week. That means that a grand total of fifteen of my bills have passed the House this session! My 16th bill, HB839, was continued to 2026 with a letter from the Speaker. This letter carries out one of the goals of the bill by establishing a multidisciplinary work group to address coercive control/family abuse in child custody cases. The work group’s recommendations will be considered during the 2027 legislative session.
This has been an exciting week as we began hearing the very first Senate bills in my House committees. This week ramped up quickly, especially as I began presenting my bills to Senate committees, welcoming constituents into my office, meeting talented STEM students, and attending press conferences.
Keep reading to find out what I have been up to this week!
HAPPENING THIS SUNDAY: Second District Crossover Town Hall
This Sunday, I’m hosting another virtual town hall for my 2nd District constituents. I will be sharing an overview of the 2026 Session and addressing constituent concerns, questions, and comments. I hope that you will join me in celebrating another successful General Assembly Session so far and discuss what happens next post-Crossover!
When: Sunday, February 22, 2026 from 5:00pm to 6:00 pm
Where: Virtual, Zoom link will be shared prior to the meeting
Sign up here!
Virginia Asian American Pacific Islander (VAAPIC) Post-Crossover Virtual Town Hall
Also on Sunday, I will be attending the VAAPIC virtual townhall alongside my colleagues. We will be sharing updates on bills addressing healthcare, language access, public safety, education, and affordability. Join us as we share our plans for what happens next!
When: Sunday, February 22nd, 2026 from 12:00pm – 1:00 pm
Where: Virtual, sign up here!
Legislative Updates
On Monday, I started the week with my bill, HB1405, passing the House floor. HB1405 would allow the Department of Social Services to establish a burial assistance program and begin issuing regulations to allow local social services departments to pay reasonable funeral expenses for a deceased person who may be eligible. This bill passed the House floor with a vote of 74-24.
On Tuesday, we passed the final House bills through the floor, including four of my own: HB82, HB524, HB527, and HB838.
HB82 moves the deadline for receiving absentee ballots and submitting identification for provisional ballots from noon to 5:00 p.m. on the third day after the election. This bill passed the House floor on a vote of 60-35 and now heads to the Senate Privileges and Elections committee.
HB524 would allow Arlington County to adopt a Tourism Improvement District model to enhance the county’s ability to conduct destination marketing, promote hospitality, and increase tourism to our area. This is huge for Arlington County tourism, our local businesses, our constituents, and our Commonwealth. This bill passed the House floor with a vote of 68-28, and now heads to the Senate Local Government committee.
HB527 would expand and make permanent the Eviction Reduction Program to help reduce evictions, support housing stability, and identify barriers that lead to evictions. This program provides localities with flexible funds to help keep people in their homes during difficult times. This is part of Governor Spanberger’s Affordability Agenda. The bill passed the House floor with a vote of 64-33, and now heads to the Senate General Laws and Technology committee.
HB838 grants the Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) the authority to update the existing state plan to include language from my bill last year (HB1614) to include payments for doula services. This bill passed the House floor unanimously, and now heads to the Senate.
On Thursday afternoon, I presented my first bill that crossed over to the Senate to the Senate Transportation committee: HB330, which would allow locally approved advertisements to appear on WMATA-owned property, creating revenue opportunities for the WMATA to support their operations and service improvement efforts. It was reported unanimously and now heads to the Senate floor.
Finally, on Friday morning, I presented my second bill that crossed over to the Senate to the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services committee: HB1405. I am pleased to share that it was reported on a vote of 8-6 and now heads to the Senate floor.
It was reported on a vote of 8-6
Committee Activities
This week was a light week for committee meetings due to our long days on the House floor. On Monday, I spent over six hours in the House Chamber to cast my vote on the remaining bills! My first committee meeting was in the General Laws committee on Thursday. We took action on seventeen bills, including Senator Locke’s SB273, which is identical to my HB837. These identical bills, also known as cognates, would broaden the eligibility for the Eviction Diversion Program, lowering initial cost barriers, and removing overly strict late-payment disqualifications. I am pleased to share that SB273 was reported on a vote of 17-4. Review the full docket here.
Also on Thursday, I attended the Professions/Occupations and Administrative Process subcommittee, where we took action on SB293, which would develop a plan to discontinue the use of PFAS chemicals in firefighting materials at the Richmond International Airport.
Early this morning, I sat as vice chair of the Public Safety committee, where we took action on five bills and ended up reporting all five to the House floor. Review the full docket here.
Affordability Press Conference
On Wednesday, I had the privilege of attending the Affordable Virginia: Crossover Edition Press Conference alongside my Democratic colleagues. We discussed the success of 849 bills that have passed the House floor this session. 84% of these bills passed through the House with bipartisan support. Of these 849 bills, over a third deliver on the promise of a more affordable Virginia.
I am immensely proud to support, champion, and vote for policies that will lower energy bills, make healthcare and childcare more affordable, and expand access to affordable housing. I am honored to contribute to the Democratic Affordability Agenda impacting positively people all across the Commonwealth. Affordable housing and tenant protections have been a focal point of my career, and I am ecstatic to see so much progress being made on these issues.
On the House Floor
On Wednesday, I had the heartbreaking honor of presenting HJ127, celebrating the life of Jaylen Martinez and adjourning the House of Delegates in his honor and memory. Jaylen Martinez was just 13 years old when he lost his life as a result of the improper storage of a loaded firearm at a friend’s house. He was a talented basketball player, a beloved member of his community, and his light and extraordinary presence are dearly missed. His memory will carry on through his loving mother, Cierra Martinez, who is now a fierce advocate for safe gun storage. Her strength to turn this tragedy into a mission to protect families from similar tragedies is commendable. My heart goes out to Cierra Martinez and her family. Watch the full speech here.
Adele in the News
ARLnow featured an article focused on several bills that were proposed this session surrounding voting practices in Virginia, including my bill HB82 and its cognate SB58, carried by Senator Favola. Moving the deadline to receive absentee ballots and submitting identification for provisional ballots to align with normal business hours makes voting more accessible to working people. This is a much needed update that reflects modern realities and takes work schedules and delayed mail deliveries into account. Voting should be accessible throughout the Commonwealth to encourage more voters to participate in the government that serves them.
This afternoon, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Kojo Nnamdi for WAMU’s segment, The Politics Hour. I discussed the bills I introduced this session, as well as my top priorities. Throughout my career, affordable housing, tenant rights, and affordable child care have been a focus of mine. Delivering on the promises I made during my campaign has been a fulfilling journey, and I remain committed to delivering Arlingtonians the peace of mind they need and the affordability agenda they deserve. To watch the interview, click here.
Happenings in the Second District
Upcoming Special Election
Remain politically engaged by casting your vote in the upcoming Special Election! This statewide special election is for a proposed constitutional amendment to decide whether the Constitution of Virginia should be amended to allow the General Assembly to adopt new congressional districts. To verify registration status, find your polling place, or apply to vote absentee, please visit the Virginia Department of Elections website here.
Registration Deadline: April 14th
Early Voting: March 6th, 2026 through April 18th
Deadline to request Mail Ballot: April 10th at 5:00 p.m.
Election Day Voting: Tuesday, April 21st (polls open 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.)
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“Look: An Unexpected Arts Experience”
A pop-up community run gallery turns an empty space into a lively exhibition for art, creativity, and connection. Discover local artists, engage with interactive workshops, and experience live performances on Langston Boulevard.
When: Friday, February 20th, 5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Where: 3130 Langston Blvd, Arlington 22201
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County Board Regular Meeting
Attend the regular Arlington County Board meeting to learn more about what’s happening in the community. Hear public discussion concerning local issues and take part in the civic processes that affect the everyday lives of Arlington residents.
When: Saturday, February 21st, 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: County Board Meeting Room, Bozman Government Center – 2100 Clarendon Blvd.
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Feel the Heritage Festival
This year at the Feel the Heritage Festival, Arlington county celebrates the National Black History Month theme, “A Century of Black History Commemorations.” This festival merges music, dance, food, and plenty of family friendly activities, allowing festival goers space to connect and celebrate the stories that unite us. Registration is not required, but you may reserve a spot for free here.
When: Saturday, February 21st, 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Where: Charles Drew Community Center – 3500 23rd St S.
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Children and Youth Well-Being Network Meeting
Arlington County is developing a county-wide plan for the purpose of addressing the wellbeing of children and youth in our community. County staff, the Children and Young Well-Being Network, and community members will collaboratively work to shape the roadmap for this effort. Attendees may share their feedback on what is helpful, and what is not. Register for this free event here.
When: Tuesday, February 24, 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Where: Central Library, 1015 N. Quincy St.
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Rosslyn Lunar New Year Celebration
Ring in the Year of the Horse with the Rosslyn BID at our 2026 Lunar New Year event. Come join us at Central Place Plaza for a free, family-friendly celebration featuring vibrant traditions, live Lion Dance, and festive fun!
When: Thursday, February 19, 5-7 p.m.
Where: Central Place Plaza, 1800 N Lynn Street
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Wednesday Walkabouts – Free Seasonal Nature Tours
For citizens aged fifteen years or older, enjoy a free nature walk at the Long Branch Nature Center with a naturalist to meet one of the center’s living or preserved nature center critters. Learn about the animals that are observable during the winter and enjoy a health walk. No registration required.
When: Wednesday, February 25th 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.
Where: Long Branch Nature Center, 625 S Carlin Springs Rd
Important Immigration Resources
If you or your loved ones are in need of legal resources or assistance in matters involving ICE and immigration, the Legal Aid Justice Center hosts free immigration legal consultations, on the first Wednesday of each month, at the Arlington Mill Community Center. This is strictly for Arlington residents. To schedule an appointment for general family preparedness planning, please call 703-778-3450. Appointments are not required for general immigration consultations and walk-ins are welcome on a first-come, first-served basis.
When: First Wednesday of each month
Where: Arlington Mill Community Center, 909 S Dinwiddie St, Floor 5, Arlington, VA, 22204.
If you believe your loved ones have been arrested or detained by ICE, please contact the PoderVA hotline. PoderVA is a rapid response defense network that may be used to report and track ICE activity, provide resources and know-your-rights information, and connect families to reliable legal support. The PoderVA Hotline number is 1-844-253-7882.
Remembering The Honorable Barry D. Knight
On Thursday, I was saddened to hear of the loss of my colleague, Delegate Barry D. Knight. Delegate Knight represented District 98 (Virginia Beach), where he faithfully served his district for over fifteen years in the House of Delegates. Delegate Knight was a highly respected man and his loss will be felt in the Chamber and throughout the Commonwealth. On Friday, many of our colleagues shared their personal experiences with Delegate Knight and the profound impact he had as a mentor, friend, and colleague. I had the pleasure of serving on committees with Delegate Knight and like many here in Virginia, I will miss him. My heart goes out to his friends and family. Watch the floor speeches here.
Don’t hesitate to reach out! As crossover continues, I welcome your feedback and ideas. You can email my office in Richmond at [email protected], or call at (804) 698-1002. Thanks in advance for reaching out!
Yours in Service,
Delegate Adele McClure, HD-2
