Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has vetoed legislation from numerous Democratic Fairfax County legislators relating to a marijuana retail market, class action lawsuits and other issues.
Yesterday, Spanberger rejected the General Assembly-passed versions of HB 642 and SB 542, which would have set up a retail market for recreational marijuana on Jan. 1, 2027 — more than five years after Virginia became the first state in the South to legalize possession of the drug by adults.
Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger has taken a mixed approach to bills from Fairfax state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) intended to counter the Trump administration’s draconian approach to immigration enforcement.
The governor announced today (Wednesday) that she has signed SB 352 and its House of Delegates companion HB 1482, which ban law enforcement officers from covering their faces, while vetoing legislation (SB 351 and HB 650) that would restrict federal immigration agents from conducting civil arrests in certain public places, including courthouses, schools and health care facilities.
As soon as Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed one of the more polarizing gun safety bills from the 2026 General Assembly session — a ban on assault-style firearms — the Fairfax-based National Rifle Association vowed to fight the ban with a lawsuit.
The pair of bills from state Sen. Saddam Azlan Salim (D-37) and Del. Dan Helmer (D-10), who represent parts of Fairfax County, will ban the sale and manufacture of “assault firearms” and magazines with the capacity of more than 15 rounds. The legislation provides exemptions to guns owned before the law becomes effective on July 1, 2026 but will ban new purchases starting on that date.
A North Springfield child care center owner spoke in support of the new paid family and medical leave program at a ceremonial bill signing with Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) and lawmakers yesterday (Monday).
Starting on Dec. 1, 2028, Virginia’s new paid leave program will allow most workers to take up to 12 weeks of paid leave for significant life events like caring for a new child, recovering from serious illness, military family needs or caring for relative with a serious health condition.
Should Fairfax County switch to ranked-choice elections for Board of Supervisors’ races? Views were mixed during a community forum held last night (Monday) in Reston.
Even Hunter Mill District Supervisor Walter Alcorn, who could be directly impacted by a voting-format change, said he needs to learn more about any potential impacts.
Fairfax County firefighters, teachers and other public sector workers recently rallied outside the county government center, asking Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger to sign legislation granting public workers the right to engage in collective bargaining.
The May 6 rally was one of several held around the commonwealth by unions, including the Virginia Education Association, the International Association of Firefighters, and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), in support of HB 1263 and SB 378.
By DAVID A. LIEB and GEOFF MULVIHILL Associated Press
The Virginia Supreme Court on Friday struck down a voter-approved Democratic congressional redistricting plan, delivering another major setback to the party in a nationwide battle against Republicans for an edge in this year’s midterm elections.
Editor’s note: This story references domestic violence and suicide. If you or someone you know is struggling with this issue, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 or text “START” to 88788. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be called or texted at 988. You can also visit the website.
Two years before Dr. Cerina Fairfax was shot and killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, she had tried to leave him.
By GARY D. ROBERTSON and DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press
RICHMOND, Va. (AP) — Virginia Supreme Court judges on Monday questioned whether the state’s Democratic-led legislature complied with constitutional requirements when it sent a congressional redistricting plan to voters, in a case that carries high stakes for the balance of power in the U.S. House.
A paid family and medical leave program will be set up for the first time in Virginia after Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) signed legislation from Fairfax County state Sen. Jennifer Boysko (D-38) and Prince William County Del. Briana Sewell (D-25).
Boysko, who represents Reston, Herndon, Great Falls and McLean in the Virginia Senate, told FFXnow she has worked on the legislation for eight years.
