February 7, 2020
With only a few working days remaining until Crossover, members of the House of Delegates have been spending long hours in committee meetings and on the House floor. As a reminder, the House must complete all work on House bills by the end of February 11 (Crossover). Due to Constitutional requirements, all House bills must be heard in committee today in order to meet this deadline. Any House bill that is not heard in committee today is effectively “dead” this year. Included in the number of unheard bills is my legislation requiring a ballot referendum on the Historic Triangle sales tax. Fortunately, there is always next year!

One of the most significant bills passed the House this week was legislation allowing public employees (with some exceptions) to engage in collective bargaining . In addition to other considerations, this policy will have a significant adverse fiscal impact on localities and on the Commonwealth as a whole. The House also passed bills creating various commissions and committees, including a Culturally Relevant and Inclusive Education Practices Advisory Committee . I have serious reservations about the establishment in perpetuity of unaccountable (and confusingly named) bureaucratic bodies, and I voted against bills of this nature.

On a positive note, one truly bipartisan victory occurred this week: the House passed legislation prohibiting asset forfeiture , thereby preventing law enforcement from seizing a suspect’s assets prior to a conviction. This commonsense bill is a victory for advocates of due process.

Next week will be a significant week in our Commonwealth. Under consideration will be bills to:
  • eliminate Virginia’s Right to Work law
  • remove the requirement for voters to provide a photo I.D.
  • ban “assault weapons”
  • impose a Green New Deal
  • provide drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants
  • increase minimum wage
  • hike numerous taxes and fees
  • allow localities to remove and/or destroy war memorials/monuments (this bill is not exclusive to Civil War monuments; it allows for the removal and destruction of ALL war monuments)

As a reminder, all bills can be searched and tracked online at http://lis.virginia.gov/ . If you have questions about a specific bill, please call my office at 804-698-1096 or email DelABatten@house.virginia.gov.
RSVP today! 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, observe 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
Thank you to all who completed my 2020 General Assembly survey! The survey is now closed. Results are currently being tabulated and will be made available as soon as possible.
Visitors in Richmond
Many individuals traveled to Richmond this week to advocate for various organizations and causes. Among the visitors were representatives of the following groups:

  • Denbigh House
  • Equality Virginia
  • George Mason University
  • Indivisibles of the Peninsula
  • James City County Board of Supervisors
  • James Madison University
  • VersAbility Resources
  • Virginia 4-H Clubs
  • Virginia Association of Museums
  • Virginia Board for People with Disabilities
  • Williamsburg Area Association of Realtors

Four full weeks remain until the General Assembly is scheduled to adjourn on March 7. During that time, we welcome visitors to our Richmond office. If you'd prefer to schedule a time to meet with me post-session, please call Dayle Brittain at 804-698-1096 or email her at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov. My door is always open, and I hope to see you soon--either in Richmond or in the district.

Have a wonderful weekend!
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