January 31, 2020
January is finally in the rear view mirror. In less than one month, a great deal has begun to change within our Commonwealth. Unlike the federal government, where the legislative pace is glacial, the General Assembly moves rapidly and policy change occurs quickly. As a reminder, bills passed during session (and signed by the Governor) will become law on July 1 of this year. During the past week alone, the House of Delegates, controlled by a Democrat majority, voted to:

  • eliminate nearly two decades worth of protections established for the healthcare (physical and mental) of women seeking an abortion. Most notably, one of the provisions removes the requirement that a physician must perform an abortion. Nurses and physician assistants can now perform abortions.

  • allow violent felons, including individuals convicted of first-degree murder and violent sex offenses, to apply for parole.

  • impose gun-control measures, including a law that will allow every county and city within Virginia to establish its own gun-control laws (this bill authorizes local bans on usage of concealed carry permits and allows prohibitions on the possession of firearms and ammunition). This patchwork of gun-control laws will inevitably turn law-abiding Virginians into criminals.


The legislation pertaining to abortion and to 2nd Amendment restrictions have also passed in the Senate, meaning that the bills will ultimately head to the Governor’s desk for his signature and be enacted into law on July 1, 2020. The ERA resolutions do not require action from the Governor and were transmitted to the National Archives. The National Archivist subsequently indicated that no action will be taken due to Department of Justice guidance stating that the ratification is invalid . Predictably, Virginia's Attorney General Mark Herring has already vowed to file suit . Your tax dollars hard at work!

Among other items to be voted on in the House next week are bills to increase the minimum wage and allow collective bargaining for public employees. Still to be heard are bills to remove requirements for photo ID for voters, provide drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants, impose a Green New Deal, eliminate Right to Work, increase taxes...and many more. If all—or even some—of these bills pass, Virginia will truly resemble states such as California, New Jersey, and New York.
House Bill 989: Designating Motor Vehicle Title Beneficiaries
When I was asked during my campaign about my personal agenda in Richmond, I always replied that my primary goal was to carry forward my constituents' priorities. Last year, one of the issues brought to my attention is the fact that the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) does not allow co-owners of a vehicle to designate a beneficiary of their motor vehicle title. Currently, the DMV only allows single (individual) owners of a vehicle to designate a beneficiary. My House Bill 989 will allow co-owners (such as a husband and wife) to designate a beneficiary. The bill requires the consent of all owners and provides that the transfer of ownership occurs upon the death of the last surviving owner. HB 989 passed the House unanimously and will next be heard in the Senate. This commonsense measure simply allows for practical estate planning.
Constituent Day in Richmond: Thursday, February 20
Mark your calendars! On Thursday, February 20, my office will host a constituent day in Richmond. The day will begin in the morning and conclude shortly after lunch. Activities will include opportunities to view committee meetings, hear from guest speakers, tour the Capitol, view session, and enjoy lunch. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. R.S.V.P. is required. If you would like to attend, please contact Dayle Brittain by phone at 804-698-1096 or by email at info@amandabatten.com. Additional details will be provided as the date approaches.
2020 General Assembly Survey
Time is now running out to complete my 2020 legislative survey! The survey will be posted for one more week. If you've not already done so, please share your perspective by completing my legislative survey . As a reminder, 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 .
Visitors in Richmond
This week broke the record for visitors! Following is a list of constituents groups (individuals and organizations) who stopped by our office during the past week:

  • Boys & Girls Club of the Virginia Peninsula
  • Civil Air Patrol
  • Nancy & Vance Eason
  • James City County Social Services
  • Thomas Nelson Community College
  • United Methodists
  • Virginia Aerospace Business Association
  • Virginia Athletic Trainers' Association
  • Virginia Dental Hygienists' Association
  • Virginia Education Association
  • Virginia Police Benevolent Association
  • Virginia State Building & Construction Trades Council
  • Virginia Symphony Orchestra
  • Williamsburg Area Transit Authority
  • York County Voter Registrar, Walt Latham

Plenty of time remains to visit Richmond during the legislative session. If I'm tied up in committee meetings or on the House floor, my legislative aide, Dayle Brittain, will be happy to meet with you. Please visit Room W432 if your travels bring you to Richmond.

Happy Friday!
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