The 2021 General Assembly has begun!
On Wednesday, January 13th, the House, who is operating virtually during this year's session, and the Senate who is conducting session at the Virginia Science Museum, gaveled into session.
This year's session will be 30 days long. Normally, legislators would vote to extend the session an extra 15 days, but this action requires a two-thirds vote from the body. Both Senate and House Republicans rejected this motion. However, it is anticipated that Governor Ralph Northam will issue a special session for the 15 days depending on how the 30 days pans out.
Also, the House will have their floor session at 4 PM while the Senate will have theirs at 12 PM Noon.
No matter the length of session, there are many important bills to working families that will be voted on, and it is crucial that you stay informed.
Legislative Information Services (LIS) is a very useful way for anyone to track legislation of interest. You can look for bills by number, subject matter, member, and more.
Stay up to date on the bills most important to you with the Lobbyist-in-a-Box tool. This tool will allow you to select bills that are important to you, and send you updates as the bill moves through the legislative process.
Here are a couple other quick links that may be useful to you during session:
HOUSE OF DELEGATES
During the House's virtual session, constituents must be aware of the new system to make public comments. To make public comment, visit https://hodspeak.house.virginia.gov/.
You can also check out our "How to Testify Guide" for the House of Delegates on our "2021 General Assembly Page" to learn how to sign up, a few tips and tricks, and more.
SENATE
To make public comment, visit https://apps.senate.virginia.gov/Senator/dockets.php . You can also check out our "How to Testify Guide" for the Senate on our "2021 General Assembly Page" to learn how to sign up, a few tips and tricks, and more.
For any other information pertaining to the General Assembly, just check out: the Virginia General Assembly Website. Too, don't forget to check out the rest of our website for the latest updates, information, and more on all the action going down at the General Assembly!
With all of these new changes, we at Virginia AFL-CIO need your help lobbying our legislators. Join us by signing up to lobby. Together, we can ensure that our voice aren't just heard, but that what we are saying gets acted upon.
We hope that you are just as ready and excited for this 2021 General Assembly session as we are! We look forward to seeing you and working together to keep workers first here in Virginia.
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