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To the Constituents of the 37th House District:
The fifth full week of the 2025 General Assembly Session has concluded, and there are still 300 bills outstanding for the House to consider before Session adjourns on Saturday, February 22. This means long days on the floor as legislation is put into conference and differences between House and Senate bills are resolved.
The single largest item left on the docket is work on the budget bill. Though Virginia’s current biennial budget continues through June 2026, new revenues are taken into account during odd-numbered years and changes, known as “budget amendments,” are offered by legislators for consideration.
As one of the six House conferees – and only one of two House Republicans – appointed by the Speaker, my colleagues and I are responsible for collaborating with our Senate counterparts to create a budget that can be approved by the General Assembly and sent to the governor. It’s important to recognize that, with the current majority, the final budget will not fully reflect Republican priorities. However, throughout this process, I will work to ensure the budget reflects a conservative approach to addressing the priorities of our district and region.
Some items likely to appear in the budget are good: tax relief for Virginians, $400 rebate checks for couples filing jointly, and an extension of a higher standard deduction for state income taxes. Republicans were hopeful that car tax relief and the elimination of taxes on tips for people in the service industry would remain, but the 51-vote majority did not see additional relief as a priority.
Nowhere was the power of 51 was more evident than last Thursday when the House voted on a bill criminalizing fentanyl distribution that leads to the death of a minor. Republicans supported a strong bill that would impose lengthy prison sentences. However, the majority voted to reduce the offense to manslaughter instead of murder. I joined my Republican colleagues in supporting the weakened bill, as it still marks progress, but we will continue advocating for harsher sentencing as this crisis continues to devastate society.
Regarding my legislation, I have three bills currently making their way through the Senate. My bills to eliminate vehicle registration decals and to increase pupil transportation options were referred to Senate Finance and Appropriations and my bill to regulate and prohibit the sale of unsafe and counterfeit lighters is currently awaiting a vote on the Senate floor.
As for my remaining legislation, I’m happy to report that it has passed out of the Senate unanimously. HB2097 expands coverage for prostate cancer screening in the Commonwealth and passed out of the Senate 40-0. HB2092 updates the Town of Buchanan’s Charter to reflect the shift to November municipal elections, and HB2644 allows the City of Lexington the flexibility to appoint five to seven members onto its EDA, rather than the currently required seven. Both passed out of the Senate 39-0.
This week we welcomed to the Capitol Rockbridge High School students Sarah Edgar and Emil Hierman during “Virginia History Day on the Hill.” Virginia History Day is a program run by the Virginia Museum of History and Culture, and is the state affiliate of National History Day, a nationwide history research project competition for students in grades 6-12. Think science fair, but for history. While attending Lylburn Downing Middle School, Sarah and Emil represented Virginia at the prestigious National History Day competition last June after advancing from the state level. Their respective projects explored VMI’s admission of women, and how a court case held shortly after World War II drastically changed the aviation industry. It’s always inspiring to see students passionate about our history.
It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates. If I can be of assistance to you, or you would like to share your position on any of my legislative priorities, please do not hesitate to contact me at DelTAustin@House.Virginia.gov or 804-698-1037.
Delegate Terry L. Austin
37th House District
