February 2, 2024
The Virginia General Assembly is comprised of citizen legislators, each of whom bring a unique personal and professional background to discussion and debate. Members of the legislature include pharmacists, educators, attorneys, retirees, farmers, small business owners, veterans, native Virginians, and “transplants” who have moved to the Commonwealth from other states. A variety of other traits and life experiences further shape the perspectives of individual legislators.
 
Despite this rich tapestry of experience, legislators are rarely subject matter experts on the majority of bills heard during session. I certainly lack proficiency in criminal law, early childhood education, and prison regulations, all of which I work to address in my subcommittees. With this in mind, one can imagine the challenges legislators face in trying to carefully assess topics with which they are unfamiliar. Adding to the challenge is the breadth of issues that can be covered within a single subcommittee. For example, in one late-evening meeting of a Health and Human Services Subcommittee, a small panel of legislators cast votes on the following:

  
This is merely one example of the scope of work occurring within a single subcommittee. I offer this as a reminder—and request!—to weigh in with your expertise or perspective.
2024 General Assembly Session: participation wanted
If you've not yet done so, please take a moment to complete my 2024 legislative survey available online at https://vahouse.checkbox.com/batten2024. Also, with a newly opened General Assembly Building, we are excited to once again host District Day for residents of the 71st House District. This year’s day will be held on Thursday, February 22. If you’d like to attend, please contact Ms. Dayle Brittain at 804-698-1071 or DelABatten@house.virginia.gov for details. Please note that space is limited and priority is given to District 71 residents.
Victims Silenced
A critical component of the lawmaking process is ensuring stakeholders’ voices are heard. Unfortunately, this week we witnessed a shocking refusal to allow victims to share their perspectives on a bill to reduce sentences for offenders who committed violent crimes. As a member of the Criminal Subcommittee of the Courts of Justice Committee, I asked the subcommittee chair to afford the victims—many of whom traveled hours to the meeting and then waited patiently for many more hours—to offer in-person testimony. The subcommittee chair refused to let them speak despite allowing online participants to testify. I understand reasonable time limits on testimony, but an outright refusal to hear victims’ voices is unconscionable. My colleague, Delegate Nick Freitas, today offered excellent commentary on the bill as well as insight regarding the appalling treatment of the Virginians who were prevented from participating in the legislative process.

Regardless of whether I agree with your perspective, I will always work to ensure your voice is heard.
House Bill 1048: parental notification of overdoses in schools
Notable this week was the Early Childhood Subcommittee of the House Education Committee. During this meeting I presented legislation, my House Bill 1048, codifying Governor Youngkin’s Executive Order 28 requiring school divisions to notify students’ parents when an overdose occurs in schools. The need for this law was tragically necessitated by a series of overdoses that occurred last year in Loudoun County schools. (Sadly—and obtusely—a representative for Loudoun County actually spoke against the bill.) Ultimately, a nearly identical bill carried by a Democrat was instead adopted, a common tactic used by the majority party when handling high-priority legislation. Regardless of patron, this life-saving policy will hopefully make its way to the Governor’s desk for his signature.
Visitors in Richmond
The past week brought visitors from the following organizations:

  • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority
  • Alzheimer’s Association
  • Autism Society
  • Brain Injury Association of Virginia
  • Equality Virginia
  • Hampton Roads Association for Commercial Real Estate
  • James City County Board of Supervisors
  • New Kent County Board of Supervisors
  • Prison Fellowship
  • United Methodist Church
  • Victims First
  • Virginia Farm Bureau
  • Virginia Restaurant Lodging and Travel Association
  • Williamsburg City Council
  
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 great 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