Tuesday Marks Crossover Week 4: January 27-31 – Update From Delegate Delores Oates

On Tuesday, February 4th, bills in the General Assembly will cross over from the House to the Senate, and vice versa. This signifies an important step in which bills will move closer to becoming law. Unfortunately, Republicans are in the minority and are facing significant challenges getting anything through, with even the most benign bills failing at the hands of Democrat legislators.

There is some positive news to report. Late Friday, I learned that our Attorney General, Jason Miyares, issued guidance to two of our major University hospitals, warning them to stop providing what they call “gender affirming treatments” for minor children. Let’s be clear, sterilizing children is not “healthcare.” This decision was overdue. I am pleased the work of our Attorney General, and I hope to see his words enacted into law so that this practice will be forever eradicated.

The House Appropriations Committee reported their budget bill today. This bill made changes to the existing two-year spending plan. Governor Youngkin proposed a significant number of tax cuts, such car tax relief for working families and the end of taxes on tips. My colleagues on the left killed these bills that were widely supported by Virginians and would have helped the working class the most.

I will continue to fight to put more money back in YOUR pocket. Times are hard, inflation is hitting everyone, and the American people resoundingly voted in favor of relief. The Democrat majority did a disservice to hardworking Virginians by refusing to work together to return money to the people.

Democrats Push Retail Cannabis…Again

In response to what happened in Front Royal, with the seizing of significant amounts of illicit marijuana vapes, the Democrat’s response is retail cannabis. If they can’t regulate the sale of vapes, why should we trust them to regulate any addictive substances?

Delegate Coyner discusses how vape shops in Front Royal were caught selling unregulated THC to minors.

Pictured with Teresa Pregnall and Concerned Women of America

Bills to Support Women Don’t Even Get a Hearing

One of my goals in this session was to support and uplift women. Unfortunately, the folks across the aisle were not interested in collaborating to move women’s interest forward. I am not sure what is more frustrating, the fact that Democrats portray themselves as the party for women or the reality that several of my bills were not even given a hearing or opportunity to be presented. At the bare minimum, to fully do the work of the people, all bills should be heard so that no one is left underrepresented.
• HB1809- K-12 schools and higher educational institutions; student participation in women’s sports, etc. – not heard
• HB2429 – Stalking; penalty. – not heard
• HB2427 – Electronic tracking device; unauthorized use, penalties. – not heard
• HB1839 – Admission of evidence; evidentiary hearing, excluded persons – tabled in committee
• HB2698 – Certificate of public need; hospitals that provide maternity care, exception. – tabled in committee

Community Bright Spots

Lauri Sidney and the Blue Ridge Association of Realtors visited my office on Wednesday. They shared concerns about housing availability in our region and set the record for the largest group so far, totaling 47 realtors!

Students from Chelsea Academy visited Richmond on Monday. Chelsea is cultivating scholars, and it was my honor to introduce them on the House Floor and witness their passion and interest in the legislative process.

Legislative Update
For more information on my position on specific legislation, check out VPAP’s General Assembly guide: https://lis.virginia.gov/session-details/20251/member-information/H0377/member-details

Stay up to date by tuning into sessions of the House or committees that may be of interest to you. The House meeting schedule and LIS can help you keep track of legislation as it moves through the process.

You can always email our office for help too!