Major Drama at Crossover
If you’re wondering why so many Virginians are frustrated with government and politics, look no further than crossover this week in the Virginia General Assembly. Crossover marks the midpoint of the legislative session, and this has been one of the most aggressive and unprecedented sessions in recent memory. The last-minute maneuvering with little transparency to keep a "failed bill" alive should concern every citizen.
This week, the House and Senate passed SB 118 (D-Locke) and HB 161 (D-Simon) to legalize internet gambling, placing a 24-hour casino in the palm of every smartphone user. Though currently illegal, proponents openly admitted their goal was to “make something illegal be legal” so it can be taxed and regulated. The predictable result is dramatically expanded access, rising addiction rates, and increased exposure of minors to online gambling platforms. (Read more HERE.)
Both bills initially failed, only to be revived and passed later the same day after leadership pressured lawmakers to change their votes. This eleventh-hour reversal reveals how determined gambling interests and their allies are to expand gambling at nearly any cost.
At the beginning of the session, lawmakers fast-tracked three sweeping constitutional amendments: HJ1/SJ1 to enshrine unlimited abortion in the state constitution; HJ3/SJ3 to redefine marriage; and HJ4 to dismantle Virginia’s bipartisan redistricting reforms and return congressional map-drawing power to the majority party. (Read more HERE). A special referendum on April 21 will determine the fate of the redistricting amendment. If approved, the majority is positioned to enact a 10–1 congressional map that entrenches its political advantage. The abortion and marriage amendments are scheduled for the November ballot.
Despite these serious concerns, we've witnessed some important victories made possible by your prayers, advocacy, and engagement. Below are few more updates, and additional bills of concern as we head into the last half of session.
Sanctity of Life Victories
While the abortion amendment advanced, legislation to legalize physician-assisted suicide was defeated in committee. HB 886 (D-Hope) and SB 359 (D-Boysko) would have allowed medical professionals to prescribe lethal drugs to end a patient’s life without strong mental health evaluations or meaningful safeguards. Such a policy would endanger the elderly, disabled, depressed, and otherwise vulnerable. We remain vigilant as additional life-related proposals move forward. (Read more HERE).
Parental Rights and Education Victories
One of the most alarming bills defeated this year was HB 359 (D-Helmer), an unprecedented assault on private education. It would have required any private school accepting even one tuition-assistance student to comply with sweeping public-school mandates. Schools would have faced an impossible choice: surrender their mission and independence or stop serving families who rely on assistance. Its defeat is a major victory for parental choice, religious liberty, and the unique mission of private and faith-based schools across the Commonwealth. (Read more HERE)
Threats to Human Exploitation
Beyond online gambling, lawmakers are advancing legislation to impose a retail marijuana market on every Virginia locality, without allowing communities to opt out. SB 542 (D-Aird) and HB 642 (D-Krizek) would establish recreational marijuana storefronts statewide, regardless of local opposition. Research consistently shows that communities prohibiting storefront sales experience lower rates of adolescent and problematic marijuana use. Full commercialization would permanently reshape Virginia’s public health and community character. (Read more HERE).
Additional Bills of Concern
Several additional bills are being closely monitored:
SB 137, Virginia’s version of the federal FACE Act, could criminalize peaceful prayer and compassionate conversations near abortion facilities, threatening life and free speech.
HB 6 / SB 596 would create a sweeping “right to contraception,” including abortifacients such as Ella, and allow minors to bypass parental consent.
HB 1182 / SB 361 would mandate insurance coverage of contraceptives, including abortifacients, without religious or conscience protections.
SB 794 would prohibit extradition of abortion providers who violate other states’ abortion laws.
SB 19 / HB 1499 would restrict local school boards’ ability to remove sexually explicit materials from public school libraries, undermining parental authority.
SB 661 / HB 1272 would authorize thousands of so-called “games of skill” machines—neighborhood slot machines—in convenience stores, restaurants, and truck stops statewide.
SB 746 would permit a sixth casino in Northern Virginia.
As the session enters its second half, we are also watching troubling budget proposals. Lawmakers have submitted funding requests that could require taxpayers to support organizations such as Planned Parenthood, subsidize transgender medical procedures, and finance the special redistricting referendum.
Crossover is not the finish line; it is the midpoint. Critical votes remain. Budget negotiations lie ahead. The stakes are high, and the pace has not slowed. Now is the time to stay informed, vigilant, and engaged. Together, we will continue standing for life, parental authority, religious liberty, and the wellbeing of every Virginia family.
