January 11, 2021 •
House of Delegates to Consider Prohibiting Corporate Contributions
A bill prohibiting corporate campaign contributions has been introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates. House Bill 1906 would not only prohibit direct contributions to candidates and committees but also prohibit indirect contributions. This would include designated contributions or contributions directed […]
A bill prohibiting corporate campaign contributions has been introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates.
House Bill 1906 would not only prohibit direct contributions to candidates and committees but also prohibit indirect contributions.
This would include designated contributions or contributions directed through another person or committee.
The proposed bill includes a civil penalty of up to twice the amount of the prohibited contributions.
July 20, 2020 •
Virginia Special Election Announced

Gov. Ralph Northam has announced the special election for the 29th House of Delegates District will be held on November 3. The seat became vacant when Delegate Chris Collins resigned on June 28.
Gov. Ralph Northam has announced the special election for the 29th House of Delegates District will be held on November 3.
The seat became vacant when Delegate Chris Collins resigned on June 28.
April 18, 2019 •
Maryland Governor Signs Bill Requiring Electronic Filing By Lobbyists; Calls Special Session
Gov. Larry Hogan signed Senate Bill 79 on April 18. The bill requires lobbyists to file registrations and certain reports electronically with the State Ethics Commission. The State Ethics Commission is also required to develop procedures regarding these electronic filings […]
Gov. Larry Hogan signed Senate Bill 79 on April 18.
The bill requires lobbyists to file registrations and certain reports electronically with the State Ethics Commission.
The State Ethics Commission is also required to develop procedures regarding these electronic filings by lobbyists.
Gov. Hogan also signed an executive order calling for the Maryland General Assembly to convene a special session on Wednesday, May 1.
The special session will allow the House of Delegates to elect a successor to the late Speaker Michael E. Busch, who passed away on April 7.
October 23, 2018 •
Expert to Redraw VA District Maps
Federal judges have appointed a University of California political science professor, Bernard Grofman, to redraw House of Delegates congressional maps. In June, the court ordered lawmakers to redraw lines to address racial gerrymandering by the end of October. The General […]
Federal judges have appointed a University of California political science professor, Bernard Grofman, to redraw House of Delegates congressional maps.
In June, the court ordered lawmakers to redraw lines to address racial gerrymandering by the end of October.
The General Assembly was not able to agree on a legislative solution and Gov. Northam promised to veto any redistricting bills sent to his desk.
The court will hold another conference to schedule the process but has indicated a new map will be enacted by March 28, 2019.
Pictured: University of California professor Bernard Grofman
August 20, 2018 •
Virginia Governor Calls Special Session to Redraw Districts
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a proclamation calling Virginia lawmakers into a special session on August 30. The purpose of the special session is to redraw districts of the House of Delegates. A U.S. District Court ruled on June 26 that […]
Gov. Ralph Northam signed a proclamation calling Virginia lawmakers into a special session on August 30.
The purpose of the special session is to redraw districts of the House of Delegates.
A U.S. District Court ruled on June 26 that House of Delegates districts were racially gerrymandered to concentrate black voters.
The court ordered new boundaries to be drawn by October 30 for use in next year’s elections.
July 30, 2018 •
Virginia Delegate Greg Habeeb Announces Resignation
Del. Greg Habeeb announced his resignation from the House of Delegates 8th District. Habeeb has served in the House since winning the seat in a special election in January 2011. Habeeb cited the desire to spend more time with family […]
Del. Greg Habeeb announced his resignation from the House of Delegates 8th District. Habeeb has served in the House since winning the seat in a special election in January 2011.
Habeeb cited the desire to spend more time with family and increased responsibilities at his law firm as reasons for stepping down.
Speaker of the House Kirk Cox will review dates and announce a special election to fill the seat in the near future.
Del. Habeeb’s final day as a member of the House of Delegates will be August 31.
February 11, 2015 •
Ethics Legislation Passed in Virginia
The House of Delegates and Senate each passed versions of ethics reform bills targeting gifts to lawmakers. Both chambers and the governor have agreed on a $100 limit, including meals and travel, as well as the creation of a bipartisan […]
The House of Delegates and Senate each passed versions of ethics reform bills targeting gifts to lawmakers. Both chambers and the governor have agreed on a $100 limit, including meals and travel, as well as the creation of a bipartisan commission to advise members and issue waivers for travel exceeding the limit.
The governor, however, proposed the commission be given subpoena and audit power while the Senate favors the power to inspect records and issue civil penalties. The House version does not include either provision.
Certain lawmakers are concerned the commission, if given too much power, will only serve as a vehicle for political retribution. The House and Senate, in the coming weeks, will work towards a compromise to send to Gov. McAuliffe.
Photo of the Virginia State Capitol by Varmin on Wikimedia Commons.
February 27, 2014 •
Amended Ethics Bill Passes Virginia House of Delegates
Comprehensive ethics reform has advanced through the House of Delegates. Senate Bill 649 was passed by the House on February 26 with a committee substitute. The passed bill included an amendment prohibiting the governor and attorney general from accepting […]
Comprehensive ethics reform has advanced through the House of Delegates. Senate Bill 649 was passed by the House on February 26 with a committee substitute.
The passed bill included an amendment prohibiting the governor and attorney general from accepting tangible gifts from representatives of companies engaged in litigation with the state. The amendment stems from former Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli’s acceptance of Thanksgiving dinner from Star Scientific CEO Jonnie Williams, and is designed to prohibit such conduct.
The Senate bill and a similar House proposal will likely be worked into one broad ethics proposal in conference committee before heading to Governor Terry McAuliffe for his signature.
Photo of the Virginia Capitol Rotunda courtesy of Albert Herring on Wikimedia Commons.
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