Tag: Virginia politics
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Virginia Moves to Put Parents Back in Charge of Teen Social Media Use
Virginia is set to implement a new law targeting excessive social media use by children under 16, effective January 1, 2026. Senate Bill 854 establishes daily time limits, requires parental consent for adjustments, and enforces age verification. Supporters view it as a necessary protective measure, while critics argue it infringes on free speech.
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Abigail Spanberger’s Affordability Agenda: A Pragmatic Test for Virginia’s New Governor
Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger, commencing her term on January 17, 2026, prioritizes affordability in her Affordable Virginia Agenda. This initiative aims to address housing, healthcare, and energy costs while maintaining a pragmatic, bipartisan approach. Her focus on controlled reforms, local solutions, and public investment positions her as a centrist Democrat, balancing diverse voter concerns.
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Fairfax County’s Immigration Policies Under Scrutiny After Deadly Release
A deadly Reston shooting has placed Fairfax County’s justice and immigration policies under intense scrutiny after an illegal immigrant with a lengthy local criminal record was released from custody—despite an ICE detainer—only to be charged with homicide the next day. Federal officials say the tragedy was preventable, while county leaders defend their decisions as lawful…
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New Virginia Laws Taking Effect January 1, 2026: What Residents Need to Know—and What’s Not Being Said
As of January 1, 2026, Virginia will implement several new laws impacting consumer protection, health insurance, labor, and social media use. While laws on baby food safety and cancer screenings expand protections, social media restrictions face constitutional scrutiny. These changes aim to balance consumer benefits with potential economic strains on families and businesses.
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Virginia Democrats Move to Reopen Congressional Maps — Just Five Years After Voters Backed “Fair Maps” Reform
Virginia’s recent political discourse centers on House Joint Resolution 6007, which could allow legislators to redraw congressional districts mid-decade, countering aggressive Republican gerrymanders elsewhere. Critics argue this undermines 2020 reforms favoring bipartisan redistricting. The amendment’s fate hinges on 2026 voter approval, posing significant implications for representation and electoral fairness.
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Virginia’s Cannabis Legalization Plan: A 2026 Retail Market Built on Promises — and Problems Conservatives Should Be Watching
Virginia lawmakers plan to implement a regulated cannabis retail market by November 2026 after years of delays. The proposal faces criticism for eliminating local control, underfunded enforcement, and potential new inequities. Supporters argue for economic benefits and safety compared to the black market, while skeptics question readiness and youth exposure risks.
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Virginia Democrats Push Redistricting Amendment—A Preemptive Strike Against GOP Momentum Elsewhere
Virginia Democrats propose a constitutional amendment to change redistricting rules, framing it as a defense against Republican gerrymandering. Critics argue it benefits Democrats politically, as it allows the majority party to regain control in deadlock situations. The amendment seeks to ensure favorable outcomes amid shifting demographics, sparking a contentious political debate.
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Governor Youngkin’s Veto of HB2613: Upholding Child Safety in Custody Decisions
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed House Bill 2613, which aimed to restrict courts from considering a parent’s legal substance use in custody cases. He expressed concerns about potential risks to child safety, particularly regarding access to cannabis products. The veto underscores that child welfare must remain paramount in custody decisions.
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Broken Bench Series 1: The Silent Crisis of Judicial Appointments
Virginia’s judicial appointment process is characterized by political cronyism, where insiders dominate while citizens remain excluded. Judges are appointed through backroom deals, leading to favoritism and lack of accountability. This entrenched political system erodes public trust and results in significant human costs for the vulnerable. Urgent reforms are necessary to restore democracy.
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Florida Launches First Office of Parental Rights — Will Maryland, Virginia, or D.C. Follow Its Lead?
In a bold move that could ripple far beyond state lines, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has announced the launch of the Office of Parental Rights (OPR) — a first-of-its-kind initiative that puts parents at the center of state-level justice and oversight. Touted as a tool to “empower parents and protect children,” the OPR is…
Virginia Bay News 