I’m sending this roundup a little late today to give you the report from today’s Reconvened Session – the day when the General Assembly comes back to review the Governor’s vetoes and amendments.  

As expected, the Governor’s vetoes, which required two-thirds majority to override, were mostly upheld, although a few bills were passed by for the day, mostly those that relate to the budget. Governor Younkin has vetoed more bills this year than the last seven governors did their entire terms. The vetoes that were not overridden include the minimum wage, assault weapons ban, 15-day limit on solitary confinement, paid family leave bill, removing the farmworker exemption from the minimum wage, 14-day Pay or Quit, and allowing tenants to create a payment plan on rent bills. 

On the amendments, which only require a majority vote, the outcomes were mixed. Some amendments were accepted, some were rejected on party-line votes, and others were rejected with broad bi-partisan support.  

Here are the bills we have been tracking that were amended by the Governor: 

Unconscious bias bills: The House rejected the Governor’s amendments 100 to 0 –wow! The Senate also rejected the amendments, but less decisively.  

Tenant bills: The House rejected many of the Governor’s amendments on tenant reform bills. The House and Senate accepted very modest amendments on several others. Thanks to the Virginia Poverty Law Center and HOME of Virginia for their leadership on these bills.  

• Tenants can vacate if unit not habitable. House rejected 100-0. 
• Localities can go after landlords that break local codes. House rejected 99-0. 
• Breaking a lease if the home is condemned. House accepted amendments 68-32. Senate accepted 39-1. 
• Transparency in housing fees. House accepted amendments 52-47. Senate accepted 40-0. 
• Transparency on tenant screening criteria. House rejected 99-0.  

The budget was passed by and will be considered in a May reconvened session.  

So, we are not done yet, but getting there. Phew! 

Sincerely,