State legislators representing Fairfax County are taking the lead on major issues in the Virginia General Assembly’s 2025 session, filing proposals addressing reproductive rights, same-sex marriage, gun control and election reforms.
Originally slated to begin yesterday (Jan. 8), the legislative session has been delayed by water service issues in Richmond stemming from the snowstorm on Monday (Jan. 6). Lawmakers will now convene on Monday, Jan. 13 and remain in session through Feb. 22.
Reproductive and Civil Rights
Among the most hotly debated issues this session will likely be Democratic efforts to enshrine reproductive rights and same-sex marriage in Virginia’s Bill of Rights.
Since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, Democrats at the state and national levels have made abortion rights a central focus of their campaigns, framing the issue as critical to safeguarding personal freedoms with many states, including most of the South, restricting access.
Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-33), who represents parts of Fairfax and Prince William counties, is the chief patron of Senate Bill 247, which would amend the state constitution to guarantee reproductive freedom as a “fundamental right.”
Currently, Virginia law allows abortion during the first and second trimesters but requires approval from three doctors for third-trimester procedures. Boysko’s bill would require just one doctor and bar the state from penalizing or prosecuting those seeking or assisting in abortions.
On another civil rights front, Sen. Adam Ebbin (D-39), who represents the Springfield area, is the chief patron of a constitutional amendment to take Virginia’s same-sex marriage ban off the books.
Although the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that prohibitions on same-sex marriages have no lawful basis, Virginia’s Constitution still has a 2006 provision that defines marriage as “a union between one man and one woman” and bars similar arrangements for unmarried individuals.
Ebbin’s amendment would formally remove that language and replace it with a statement affirming marriage as a fundamental right. It would also prohibit the state from denying marriage licenses or recognition based on sex, gender or race.
Both amendments will require General Assembly approval in two consecutive sessions before heading to a statewide referendum. Earlier this week, Democrats secured a 51-49 majority in the House of Delegates and a 21-19 advantage in the state Senate, after Kannan Srinivasan won the 32nd Senate District and JJ Singh won the 26th House District.
Although constitutional amendments, like regular legislation, require a simple majority in both chambers, they do not need the governor’s signature to pass.
Gun control measures
Fairfax County legislators are also pushing stricter gun laws aimed at closing loopholes, addressing mass shootings and enhancing public safety.
Ebbin’s Senate Bill 881 would ban unserialized “ghost guns” that are difficult to trace. These weapons are often assembled from kits or 3D-printed parts to evade traditional tracking systems used by law enforcement. If passed, manufacturing, selling or possessing such firearms would be classified as a Class 5 felony.
Senate Bill 880, also introduced by Ebbin, expands restrictions on carrying assault-style weapons in public. While current laws let some localities regulate firearms in public spaces, this bill would apply statewide, addressing concerns about public safety at protests, events and government buildings.
In the House, Del. Dan Helmer (D-10) is the chief patron of House Bill 1607, which would ban the sale and transfer of assault weapons and large-capacity magazines. The bill also includes penalties for violations, emphasizing a focus on restricting access to high-powered firearms often linked to mass shootings.
Meanwhile, Senate Bill 891, introduced by Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-31), proposes a mandatory five-day waiting period for all firearm purchases. Supporters argue a cooling-off period could reduce impulsive acts of violence, such as suicides and crimes of passion.
Electoral reforms
A push to strengthen election integrity is also a key focus for Fairfax County legislators this session.
Sen. Scott Surovell (D-34) introduced Senate Bill 775 to require disclaimers for political campaign materials that use artificially generated text, images or audio, including “deepfakes.” Any failure to include a label would be classified as a misdemeanor, with harsher penalties if the usage is deliberately intended to mislead and influence voters, within 90 days of an election and done without the depicted candidate’s knowledge.
On the procedural side, Salim’s Senate Bill 1009 would allow localities to adopt ranked choice voting for local elections, a step that’s been taken by Arlington County and considered by Fairfax and Falls Church cities. The proposal includes voter education efforts to explain the ranked choice voting process and outlines adjustments to recount procedures.
In the House, Helmer’s House Bill 1794 would consolidate primary election dates during presidential years, aiming to make the process more efficient for election administrators and less confusing for voters.
Other bills introduced
Beyond these hot-button bills, Fairfax County legislators are rolling out a broad slate of proposals for the 2025 General Assembly session, tackling everything from housing and education to public safety.
Housing
- House Bill 1701 from Del. David Bulova (D-11): Extends the Virginia Housing Opportunity Tax Credit through 2030 with increased funding for affordable housing projects to ease the region’s ongoing housing crunch.
- HB 2430 from Del. Marcus Simon (D-13): Requires landlords to list all charges, including security deposits and rent, on the first page of rental agreements and bans fees not explicitly included in the agreement.
- HB 2218 from Del. Kathy Tran (D-18): Requires landlords to accept rent payments by any lawful method and provide written receipts for cash payments. The bill also prohibits processing fees.
Health care and schools
- Senate Bill 1724 from Del. Karrie Delaney (D-9): Creates a Prescription Drug Affordability Board to review and cap high-priced medications, making them more accessible.
- SB 738 from Sen. Stella Pekarsky (D-36): Requires local school boards to develop policies that limit student cell phone use during class hours to improve focus and academic outcomes.
Public safety
- HB 2036 from Bulova: A priority for the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, the bill expands the definition of reckless driving to include “street takeovers” and exhibition driving that stop traffic or endanger pedestrians and cyclists, with penalties for passengers and spectators as well as drivers.
- HB 2041 from Del. Holly Seibold (D-12): Expands the use of speed safety cameras in school zones and high-risk areas.
- HB 2467 from Del. Rozia Henson (D-19): Increases oversight of local and regional jails by adding members to the state board and enhancing reporting requirements for serious incidents and facility inspection standards.
