January 17, 2020
With our first full legislative week in the rearview mirror, the General Assembly is slowly beginning to work on bills and resolutions. Unfortunately, as of today, the House still needs to take action on the vast majority of the nearly 1,700 House bills that have been filed thus far. Our hard deadline for action is midnight on February 11 (approximately 17 business days from now).

Moreover, the real work of detailed legislative analysis occurs in committees (and subcommittees), and many committees are woefully behind schedule. For example, the two committees on which I serve, Education and Public Safety, must review nearly 250 bills in the next few weeks. With committees meeting only once or twice a week, the challenge is daunting. The review process entails countless hours of research, testimony, and analysis. The outcome will be substantial policies that are voted on by the entire House. Ultimately, the bills we pass may become laws with the potential to affect every single Virginian.

I cannot overstate the importance of thoroughly vetting all bills; however, a last-minute process does allow for this. I am hopeful that we will pick up the pace next week and begin working longer committee hours to ensure we give every bill a fair and thorough hearing. It is important to note, though, the strain this places on the staff members who have been working round the clock since last month. A relatively small number of attorneys work with legislators to draft thousands of bills, and these men and women are unduly burdened when we delay action and then face urgent deadlines for amendments and corrections. Today on the House floor, Republican Minority Leader Todd Gilbert urged his colleagues to begin moving expeditiously through the process. To view his remarks, please click HERE .
Swearing in Ceremony
Words cannot express my heartfelt gratitude for all who traveled to Richmond last Saturday to join me for my ceremonial swearing in. Every attendee supported me throughout my campaign, and I am glad we were able to celebrate together. I look forward to serving you in Richmond.
January 20 Rally in Richmond
Extensive coverage of Monday's rally in Richmond has been offered by the media . You're likely aware that a massive number of Second Amendment supporters is expected and that Governor Northam unilaterally declared a ban on firearms anywhere in Capitol Square.

As a result, six-foot metal fences have been erected around the Capitol grounds, and more than 1,000 police officers have been called to duty. If you're planning to attend and are not part of a bus group, I suggest arriving early (by 7:00 a.m.). Expect limited parking with a long walk to the Capitol.
House Bill 988: Grandchildren as beneficiaries of the Virginia Victims' Fund

Currently, parents, children, siblings, and grandparents of a victim are eligible to apply for these benefits. The Fund is limited and is a payor of last resort. Oftentimes, the benefit simply allows for mental health services for a victim's family member(s). The exclusion of grandchildren was brought to my attention following the Virginia Beach tragedy. In many cases, grandparents are primary caretakers of their grandchildren (think before- and after-school care for working parents). The loss of a grandparent can be significant for these grandchildren. My bill simply allows the grandchildren of a victim to apply for benefits from the fund (benefits are not automatically granted, and each application is individually reviewed). Earlier today, I presented my House Bill 988 in the Criminal Subcommittee of the House Courts Committee, where it passed on a vote of 7-1. The legislation will next be heard in the full Courts of Justice Committee.
2020 General Assembly Survey
The General Assembly is now considering and voting on legislation. If you have not yet done so, please share your perspective by completing my legislative survey . As always, if you have questions about a bill, please do not hesitate to contact my office by phone at 804-698-1096 or email at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov . Click HERE to take my 2020 Session Survey.
A busy week in Richmond
Many visitors took advantage of the warmer weather this week and joined us here in Richmond. Dayle and I were pleased to welcome constituents representing the following organizations:

  • American Legion Post 39
  • James City-Williamsburg Circuit Court Clerk
  • Lackey Clinic
  • League of Women Voters - Williamsburg Area
  • National Rifle Association
  • Students for Life
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Virginia Golf Course Superintendents Association
  • Virginia Music Therapy Association
  • Williamsburg-James City County School Board
  • York-Poquoson Circuit Court Clerk

As a reminder, the Pocahontas Building is open to the public; however, security screening is required before entry. If you plan to visit, please minimize the number of bags you are carrying. Additionally, please allow a few extra minutes for screening. My room number is W432. If you have any questions about building access (or legislation), please call Dayle Brittain at 804-698-1096 or email her at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov.

Happy Friday!
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Contact Delegate Batten
Legislative Aide: Dayle Brittain
Mail: P.O. Box 194, Norge, VA 23127
Phone: 804-698-1096
Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Amanda Batten