RICHMOND, VA — As prefiling opened today for the 2026 General Assembly Session, the Virginia House Democratic Caucus introduced its first slate of legislation — a bold package that reflects the mandate voters delivered in November and the opportunities ahead under an incoming Democratic trifecta. These initial filings focus on protecting fundamental rights and freedoms and strengthening economic security for working families across the Commonwealth.
House Democrats are also advancing the next step in Virginia’s redistricting amendment — a procedural vote to keep the Commonwealth’s options open as Donald Trump urges Republican legislatures nationwide to rig congressional maps for partisan advantage.
“Virginians elected the largest House Democratic Majority in nearly four decades because they trust us to fight for them and deliver real results,” said Speaker Don Scott. “These first bills honor that trust. Our agenda is focused on lowering costs, lifting wages, expanding opportunity, protecting Virginians rights, and ensuring fair representation as Donald Trump pushes Republican legislatures across the country to manipulate congressional maps for partisan gain. House Democrats are ready to meet this moment and deliver the progress Virginians expect.”
“These priorities reflect what Virginians told us this November: protect our rights and freedoms and deliver an economy that works for working families,” said Leader Charniele Herring. “Part of that work is making sure Virginians have a fair say in their government. As Donald Trump encourages Republican legislatures to manipulate congressional maps, we are making sure Virginia is prepared to protect fair representation and uphold the integrity of our democratic process.”
“This legislative package reflects our deep commitment to the people we serve,” said Chair Kathy Tran. “Our economic agenda — from raising the minimum wage to expanding paid sick leave to strengthening housing affordability — focuses squarely on improving everyday life for working families. And when paired with essential constitutional reforms, these proposals move us closer to a Commonwealth where every Virginian has the chance to thrive. Our majority is energized, our vision is clear, and we are ready to deliver the progress Virginians deserve.”
First Bills and Resolutions Introduced for the 2026 Session:
Protecting Our Fundamental Rights and Freedoms
- HJ1: Constitutional Amendment Fundamental Right to Reproductive Freedom, patroned by Leader Charniele Herring
- HJ2: Constitutional Amendment; qualification of voters right to vote, patroned by Delegate Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
- HJ3: Marriage Equality, patroned by Delegate Mark Sickles
Redistricting Reform
- HJ4: Redistricting, patroned by Delegate Rodney Willett
Strengthening Economic Security & Affordability
- HB1: Minimum wage, patroned by Del. Jeion Ward
- HB2: Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report, patroned by Del. Mark Sickles
- HB3: Establishing Weatherization Task Force, patroned by Del. Destiny LeVere-Bolling
- HB4: Affordable Housing Right of First Refusal, patroned by Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
- HB5: Employment, paid sick leave, civil penalties, patroned by Del. Kelly Convirs-Fowler
- HB6: Right to Contraception, patroned by Del. Cia Price
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Background
HJ1, HJ2, and HJ3 were passed by the General Assembly during the 2025 session. Under Virginia’s Constitution, amendments must pass both chambers in two consecutive years, with an election in between, before they can be placed on the ballot for voters to decide in November 2026.
These economic and affordability proposals passed the General Assembly in 2025 but were vetoed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. House Democrats are reintroducing this legislation to deliver on commitments made to working families and to advance priorities that Virginians have repeatedly supported.