The General Assembly Is Back In Session – Update From Delegate Delores Oates

The start of the session was filled with highlights and lowlights. After a false start due to the water system failure in Richmond, we returned on Monday. Governor Youngkin delivered his postponed State of the Commonwealth speech on Monday morning, setting the tone for the remaining days of the Session. The Governor acknowledged the record tax cuts achieved throughout his administration and plans to continue to “axe the most hated tax in America, the car tax.”

Governor Youngkin also highlighted the ongoing fight against drugs, gangs, and cartels throughout our communities. In one example, the Governor shared how over a 45 day period, law-enforcement seized enough fentanyl to kill every Virginian eight times over. But, as the governor said, “God has truly blessed Virginia. What a privilege and an honor it is to serve.” The Governor’s address is available watch here.

Unfortunately, Democrats had the votes to advance two extreme proposed constitutional amendments.

House Joint Resolution 1 began the process of amending the Constitution of Virginia to enshrine an undefined “right to reproductive freedom.” This not only opens the door to unlimited abortion, but could be read as allowing unrestricted sex changes regardless of age. This legislation also ends our parental consent laws, leaving our daughters without their parents as they try to make life-changing decisions.

Our entire GOP team voted to stop this abomination. If I could’ve voted no twice, I would’ve, but trust me, my vote was a loud, clear NO. My office has been inundated with emails in opposition of this legislation, and I stand firmly with my constituents in our pursuit to value and protect life.

Democrats also passed House Joint Resolution 2, which would restore the voting rights of all felons in Virginia as soon as they’re released from prison. No fines, no fees, and no restitution need be paid. They need not even finish their probation. Reform is necessary to change the way we bring felons back into society, but this is not it.

My staff and I continue to monitor these proposed amendments and will update you as we learn more. We also continue to work on amendments to the biennial state budget. Governor Youngkin’s presented plan is a good place to start, but I am working to make a few changes that represent our local priorities. I submitted budget amendments to improve road safety surrounding Sherando High School, improve ADA accessibility throughout Middletown, support outdoor educational opportunities at Blandy Farm, and increase outdoor recreational opportunities in Rockland Park for our kids.

Just because we are in the minority, does not mean I will not fight for improvements in our local community.

Delegate Mark Earley is absolutely correct: this legislation goes far beyond Roe.

Community Bright Spots

After session adjourned on Tuesday, I attended the annual Virginia Sheriffs’ Association banquet. I had the pleasure to welcome each of our sheriffs, Lenny Millholland (Frederick County), Travis Sumption (Clarke County), and Crystal Cline (Warren County) to Richmond and listen to their concerns and how I can assist them at the state level.

Protecting Women’s Sports

For the second year in a row, I am leading the charge to protect women’s sports in K-12 educational institutions. Wednesday, in partnership with Governor Glenn Youngkin, Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Riley Gaines and several of my colleagues in the House and Senate, we shared our message.

As I stated in our press conference, “I want to be very clear. This legislation is not about discrimination or taking away opportunities. It’s about making sure that women and girls are able to thrive and compete in sports and that they have protected spaces to do so.”

Following the press conference, the media was quick to release biased headlines (shocker!) about how we are “banning transgenders.” Clearly, they haven’t read the bill. Under this legislation, everyone is welcome to participate in athletics with the team that aligns with their sex at birth.

You can track the status of HB1809 at this link: https://www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1766023

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!

Yours in Service,

Office of Delegate Delores Oates
Virginia House of Delegates, District 31
Chief of Staff: Emily Windle
Session Legislative Aid: Andrea Bell
General Assembly Building 703
Richmond Phone: 804-698-1031