Eastern Shore Times

The Virginia General Assembly is in the midst of its 46-day short session, approaching the Crossover deadline on February 4th. During this time, each chamber must finalize work on its own bills to transfer them to the other body for consideration.

Delegates are limited to sponsoring a maximum of 15 bills in this session. The political divide between a Republican governor and a Democrat-controlled legislature necessitates bipartisan support for any bill's success. This situation limits overly partisan proposals and complicates large-scale tax reforms.

Delegate Mike Cherry highlighted several bills he sponsored that received hearings recently:

- HB 2227 aims to expand the list of crimes victims of human trafficking can petition to vacate if committed under duress. This bill was combined with a similar one and is expected to be heard by the full committee next week.

- HB 2599 seeks flexibility for local courts in Chesterfield by allowing some cases to be held at an under-capacity courthouse in Colonial Heights due to space constraints at Chesterfield.

- HB 1576, which aimed to close loopholes allowing illegal campaign contributions, was defeated along party lines in subcommittee.

- HB 2226 intends to protect foster parents' personal information from non-custodial parents. It received unanimous support in subcommittee and will proceed to the full Education Committee.

Cherry is also advocating for a budget amendment for Richard Bland College's public safety building design phase. The current facility is inadequate, being a converted hay barn from the 1930s.

Additionally, Delegate Hillary Pugh Kent's House Bill 1910 passed unanimously in the House. It prohibits schools from serving meals with certain food coloring additives, supporting both children's health and Virginia farmers.

Cherry expressed opposition to Senate Bill 1031, which would limit parents' ability to homeschool based on religious beliefs.

He acknowledged feedback from his district through his 2025 session survey and encouraged visits during the legislative session.

Recent news articles related include budget requests for Richard Bland College's police headquarters and discussions on homeschooling exemptions and Richmond's water crisis.

Cherry stated, "It remains an honor to represent our community in the House of Delegates."