January 19, 2024
With the second week of session underway, the pace is quickening and workdays are lengthening. As of now, over 1,500 House bills and resolutions have been introduced, and the process of assigning the legislation to committees is underway. Within the House of Delegates, the Speaker is responsible for this task. Committee chairs (also designated by the Speaker) subsequently assign bills to subcommittees which perform the bulk of the analysis and revision. Some committees--namely Education and Courts of Justice--are busier (hear more bills) than others. Because I serve on both committees and respectively serve on the Early Childhood Subcommittee as well as the Criminal Subcommittee, my calendar is exceptionally full. Having not previously served on Courts, I am enjoying learning new subject matter. (I could live without the protracted Friday afternoon meetings, though!)
2024 General Assembly Session Legislative Survey
Please take a moment to complete my 2024 legislative survey available online at https://vahouse.checkbox.com/batten2024.
Meanwhile in the Senate...
In the Senate of Virginia, the responsibility for assigning bills to committees falls to the Senate Clerk. Unlike House legislation, most Senate bills are not heard in a subcommittee but instead are vetted by the full committee. That process is currently underway with notable headlines ensuing.

Regardless of political affiliation, Virginians understand the danger of fentanyl. Parents are rightly alarmed by overdoses at their children's schools. Death rates due to accidental overdose are climbing for individuals under the age of forty. Young children have consumed fentanyl-laced gummies. The evidence is clear that steps must be taken to deter dealers, and stiff penalties are an obvious tool. Shockingly, Senate Democrats disagreed, killing a bill to increase penalties for fentanyl dealers. Exactly how this leniency will protect children and save lives is unclear. To most Virginians, deterring access to a dangerous opioid seems a commonsense issue where bipartisanship is required. I am extremely disappointed by the rejection of this legislation, and I hope the House version of the bill fares better.

Another puzzling turn occurred when Senate Democrats defeated legislation to roll back Virginia's compliance with California's clean-car requirement (as a reminder, by the year 2035, zero new gas-powered cars can be sold in Virginia). Democrats openly acknowledged the requirement is flawed; however, they voted against measures to address the problem. This vote seemed extremely tone-deaf while the shortcomings of electric vehicles are making headlines during a midwestern cold snap.
Visitors in Richmond
The past week brought district visitors from the following organizations:

  • American Civil Liberties Union
  • Dental Hygienists Association
  • Human Rights for Kids
  • Newport News Shipyard
  • United Campus Workers of Virginia
  • Virginia Credit Union League
  • Virginia Dental Association
  • Virginia National Guard
  • Virginia Professional Fire Fighters
  • Virginia Sheriffs' Association
  • Voices for Virginia's Children
  
At this time, my district office is closed as we operate out of our Richmond office. If you'd like to visit, I am located in Room 712 of the General Assembly Building at 201 North 9th Street, Richmond, VA 23219. As always, we remain available to assist with constituent service. If you have a problem with a state-related matter or agency or would like to set up a meeting by phone, email, or in-person, please my legislative aide, Ms. Dayle Brittain by phone at 804-698-1071 or by email at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov.
 
Have a wonderful weekend!
Contact Delegate Batten
Legislative Aide: Ms. Dayle Brittain
Mail: P.O. Box 194, Norge, VA 23127
Phone: 757-741-7001
Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Amanda Batten