Rip's Session Report - Week Eight
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One Week Left In In The 2026 General Assembly Session
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The end of session is just around the corner with just one week left to go. We will adjourn next Saturday. It has been a productive (and typically high-velocity) session, but the last week will determine just how successful we are. I am excited to see how the last week turns out.
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The Count Down to the End of the General Assembly
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Fairfax County Women's History Month
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As always, my team and I are here to support you. Do not hesitate to reach out to us by using the link below.
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HB 807 and HB 809 increase renewable energy access for Virginians.
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11 of my bills have made it out of both chambers and are pending approval by the Governor.
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The Fairfax Casino bill has passed both chambers and is likely headed to the Governor soon.
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The Virginia Supreme Court has approved a special election for Virginians to vote on mid-decade redistricting.
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6th District Constituents in Richmond!
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It was great to meet with 6th District constituents this week. We only have one week left of session, but if you find yourself in Richmond feel free to stop by and visit my office in Room 908.
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Constituents From the Korean Central Presbyterian Church
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Virginia needs more affordable energy options to meet the growing demand and rising cost of energy.
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More access to clean, renewable energy for all Virginians is a key way we can do that.
As many of you know I have long been an advocate for renewable energy, which is a key part of any strategy to address the energy affordability crisis in Virginia.
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One way we can increase access is by allowing more Virginians to utilize shared solar. Shared solar, also known as community solar, allows individuals to access solar energy from local off-site solar installations. Shared solar programs generate cheap and accessible energy for all Virginians.
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The fact is that not everyone has the same access to clean, renewable energy.
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For example, individuals living in rented housing or apartment buildings do not have the flexibility to install solar panels like one would on a traditional home.
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Shared solar programs give more access to renewable energy regardless of type of residence.
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The General Assembly created the shared solar program in Virginia nearly six years ago. Due to high demand for clean, renewable energy, the program reached capacity almost immediately. It became clear that we needed to expand our shared solar programs so that more Virginians can have access to this affordable clean energy option.
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HB 807 and HB 809 work to update the amount of shared solar energy that is available in Virginia.
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By increasing shared solar capacity across the Commonwealth, Virginians will have more access to affordable energy and lower utility costs.
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Shared solar programs are an important part of our effort to meet our clean energy goals and keep energy costs down.
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Check out these articles on shared solar programs
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So far eleven of my bills have passed both the Senate and the House of Delegates, and will move to the Governor's office for consideration.
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I will be working hard to get the rest of my bills passed in this upcoming last week of session.
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These are my bills that have passed both chambers:
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- HB 54: State Government Internships
- HB 304: Allowance of Assumable Mortgages
- HB 323: Beneficial Use of Data Center Waste Heat
- HB 325: Firefighter Mental Health Training
- HB 327: Commonwealth Health Reinsurance Program
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- HB 807: Dominion Shared Solar Expansion
- HB 809: ApCo Shared Solar Expansion
- HB 813: Update of Insurance Cost-Sharing Prohibitions
- HB 826: Update of the Health Insurance Reform Commission
- HB 893 Energy Storage Evaluation
- HB 901:Improve Red Flag Law
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Redistricting Update: VA Supreme Court Weighs In, Election On For April 21st
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Virginians will have the opportunity to vote on mid-decade redistricting on April 21st. In fact, early voting has started–so get out and vote!
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Proposed Virginia Districts – Photo courtesy Virginia Legislative Information System
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On Wednesday the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the statewide referendum would indeed be held on April 21st. Virginia voters will have the opportunity to make their voices heard at the polls.
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The AP News article is a great resource to better understand the Virginia Supreme Court's recent ruling on redistricting.
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Early voting began this week! Make sure your voter information is up to date and be sure to check your polling locations where you can have your voice heard.
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The Casino Bill has unfortunately been passed by the House of Delegates
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This week the House of Delegates passed SB 756.
It appears that the casino bill will pass the General Assembly and be considered by the Governor.
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I am deeply disappointed by this outcome. But I also realize it is only one step in a much longer process before any casino can be built in Fairfax County.
My 6th District constituents and Fairfax residents more broadly have made it abundantly clear that they do not want a casino in Tysons and have serious concerns about it being anywhere else in the county.
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There have been fundamental issues with this legislation from the beginning, and I was proud to be among those voting against the legislation.
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My opposition to a casino in Fairfax County remains steadfast, and I will do everything I can to defeat the idea as the process plays out.
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My thanks to the many advocates who have worked tirelessly to make the case against this bad idea.
This is one step in a longer process, so I encourage everyone to continue to stay engaged in the process. Your voice matters.
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Fairfax Casino Bill Articles
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I encourage you to browse through the articles below for a better understanding of where the Casino bill stands in the legislative process.
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HB 1472: Messiah Johnson
Wrongful Incarceration
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HB 303: Divorce Reform
Senate Courts of Justice Committee
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Please feel free to check out my newsletters from previous weeks!
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That's all for our Week Eight Newsletter. Session may almost be over but we still have a couple newsletters up our sleeves to keep you informed of everything going on in Richmond.
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As always, please let me know if there is anything my office or I can do to support you. Please feel free to email us or stop by our office in Richmond!
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I’ll see you around the neighborhood.
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Office of Delegate Rip Sullivan
PO Box 994
McLean, VA 22101
United States
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