Dozens of bills await action by Governor Youngkin including marriage equality 

The main session of the 2024 General Assembly is coming to a close and so far Governor Youngkin has not taken any action on legislation that has passed in both the House of Delegates and the Senate. Here’s a partial list of what’s awaiting a signature, a veto, or recommendations.

• HB894 and SB734 would increase the number of all-virtual meetings that could be conducted by some public bodies. 
• SB716 and HB519 would prohibit the Board of Medicine from disciplining a doctor for providing an abortion. The legislation passed the Senate 21 to 18 and the House 54 to 45.
• Currently people aged 70 and above are allowed to request an exemption from jury duty. SB638 and HB156 would raise the threshold to 73. 
• Emergency rooms would have to have a physician on-site at all times if SB392 is signed into law. 
• Employers would be prohibited from seeking wage or salary history from would-be employees if SB370 and HB990 are signed. This passed the Senate on a 21 to 19 vote and the House on a 50 to 48 vote. 
• SB343 and HB619 would allow localities to create “military centered community zones” which would allow them to attract businesses by allowing reduced taxes and fees. 
• The Virginia Department of Environment Quality and Virginia Department of Health would work to monitor “forever chemicals” with a PFAS Expert Advisory Council if SB243 and HB1085 are adopted. 
• If SB819 and HB416 are signed, Virginia Beach City Council will expand from seven members to ten members each of whom will run in a single-member district. Additionally, the mayor will be elected separately by the entire population. 
• Online-only news publications would be able to petition Circuit Courts to be recognized as an official venue for publication of public notices if SB157 and HB264 become law. 
• Legislation that would enshrine marriage equality passed the Senate 22 to 18 and the House 58 to 42. What will Governor Youngkin do with SB101 and HB174?

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