General Assembly Wrap-Up: Housing Debate, Budget Battles and Pay Raise Controversy Mark Final Week

With the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session entering its final days, lawmakers in Richmond are wrapping up months of debate on legislation affecting housing, taxes, education and public policy across the Commonwealth.

Delegates Bill Wiley (HD32) and Delores Oates (HD31) both described the closing week as a shift from the fast pace of committee hearings and floor debates to final negotiations and votes before adjournment.

Session Nears the Finish Line

Over the past several weeks, the House of Delegates has considered hundreds of bills covering issues ranging from public safety and energy policy to housing and education. As the session winds down, lawmakers are focusing on resolving remaining legislation and finalizing the state budget through negotiations between the House and Senate.

Among the proposals that will not move forward this year was HB 9, a measure that would have moved Virginia to permanent Eastern Daylight Time and eliminated the twice-a-year clock change. The bill was once again continued for further study.

Pay Raise Sparks Debate

One of the more controversial issues raised during budget negotiations involves a proposed pay increase for members of the House of Delegates. According to Delegate Delores Oates, the proposal would increase delegate salaries by roughly 300 percent.

Oates said she voted against the pay increase, arguing that it sends the wrong message at a time when many Virginia families are struggling with rising costs.

Supporters of the measure argue that increasing legislative pay could make it easier for individuals from a broader range of backgrounds to serve in public office. Critics, however, say the size of the increase raises concerns about government spending and priorities.

Housing Takes Center Stage

One of the most heavily discussed issues this year was housing affordability, a challenge affecting many communities across Virginia.

Lawmakers broadly agree that housing costs are rising and that younger families and first-time homebuyers are increasingly feeling the pressure. However, several proposals to address the issue sparked debate over how much authority the state should have over local housing decisions.

One measure, House Bill 804, would have required every Virginia locality to increase its housing supply by 7.5 percent over five years beginning in 2028. The proposal would have required local governments to submit housing plans to the state and make zoning changes to meet those targets, including allowing multifamily housing in commercial areas and reducing parking or lot size requirements.

Supporters said the bill could increase housing supply and address shortages. Critics argued it imposed a one-size-fits-all mandate that might not work for smaller communities with limited infrastructure or land availability. The bill ultimately failed to advance through the Senate.

Another set of proposals focused on housing subsidies for public employees, including teachers, police officers, and other government workers. Legislation such as HB 164 and SB 328 would expand programs allowing local governments to offer grants to help employees purchase homes in the communities where they work. One proposal would remove an existing $25,000 cap on such grants.

Supporters say the programs could help essential workers live closer to their jobs. Opponents raised concerns that subsidies could distort local housing markets by increasing purchasing power for one group of buyers while others compete without assistance.

Several other bills sought to increase housing density by requiring local zoning rules to allow apartments or multifamily housing in certain commercial areas. While advocates say this approach could increase housing supply, some lawmakers expressed concerns about shifting land-use decisions from local governments to state mandates.

Recognizing Local Achievements

Amid the policy debates, lawmakers also took time to recognize achievements from across the Commonwealth.

Delegate Wiley honored the James Wood High School girls’ volleyball team on the House floor for winning their fourth consecutive state championship, calling the accomplishment a testament to the players’ dedication and teamwork. The recognition was formalized through House Resolution 74.

Supreme Court Ruling Clears Way for Referendum

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled that a statewide referendum on congressional redistricting may proceed.

Early voting for the April 21 special election began March 6 and will continue through April 18. The vote will determine whether the proposed redistricting amendment moves forward.

Visitors at the Capitol

The General Assembly Building also welcomed visitors from across the state during the final weeks of the session. Students and representatives from George Mason University met with legislators to discuss issues affecting higher education and the Commonwealth.

Looking Ahead

As lawmakers complete their final votes and budget negotiations, attention will soon shift to implementing the policies adopted this year.

Despite differing views on several issues, both delegates emphasized that the legislative process reflects ongoing debate about the best path forward for Virginia.

With the session nearing adjournment, the work done in Richmond will continue to shape policy discussions across the Commonwealth in the months ahead.