The Shadow
The eighth week of the 2026 Session has concluded, and the Virginia General Assembly is entering the final stretch of this 60-day legislative session. As we approach its conclusion, several major issues remain in focus, including the proposed Democrat redistricting amendment, the state budget, and legislation affecting gun rights and public safety.
After weeks of uncertainty regarding the proposed Democrat redistricting amendment, the Virginia Supreme Court ruled that the referendum will proceed on April 21. The Commonwealth’s current districts were drawn by the Virginia Supreme Court and produced balanced, competitive representation: a 6–5 Democrat (D) – Republican (R) split in Congress, 51D–49R in the House of Delegates, and 21D–19R in the State Senate.
These districts reflect a closely divided Commonwealth and demonstrate that the bipartisan redistricting process approved by two-thirds of Virginia voters in 2020 worked as intended. The proposed maps do not, creating a 10–1 Democrat-Republican congressional split. I strongly encourage you to vote “NO” and take advantage of early in-person voting, which began March 6 and continues through April 18, with Election Day set for April 21.
This week the House completed work on its version of the state budget. As one of two House Republicans appointed by the Speaker to serve as a budget conferee, I am now working with my counterparts to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions. Though in the minority, I will continue advocating for our region and working to ensure the final budget reflects fiscal discipline and common sense priorities.
To that point, House Republicans introduced several budget amendments that I proudly supported. These would have lowered electric bills by rolling back costly mandates under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI), decreased car tax bills by expanding relief on the first $5,000 of vehicle value, and eliminated the remaining tax on groceries. Unfortunately, all were voted down by the majority.
I also joined my fellow Republicans in voting against giving legislators a nearly 300 percent pay raise, and against a collective bargaining mandate on local governments that could lead to the largest tax increase in Virginia history. Some localities estimate they may have to raise real estate tax rates by as much as 30 cents to cover the costs, which could amount to a $600 annual increase on a $200,000 home. I also voted against a new payroll tax and against Virginia joining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, which will increase power bills. However, these measures were advanced by the majority.
Republicans also opposed several additional provisions the Democrat majority incorporated in the budget, including:
- Funding for the Attorney General’s office to pursue additional litigation against the Trump Administration.
• Reducing local authority on housing decisions by establishing apartments “by right.”
• Eliminating funding for Project Ceasefire, a program proven to reduce violent crime.
• Reductions in funding that would support local sheriffs’ departments.
• Funding to establish a retail marijuana regulatory structure.
• Overturning Governor Youngkin’s tax initiatives, including no tax on tips.
• Providing taxpayer funding for abortions.
Notably, not a single bill has been introduced by the majority to lower taxes or reduce the cost of living, even though Virginia’s December revenue collections grew by 7 percent. With a growing surplus, there is no reason the General Assembly cannot provide meaningful relief. Instead, policies are being pushed through that increase indirect costs that ultimately fall on taxpayers. As negotiations continue, I remain committed in my role as a conferee to working toward a responsible, affordable budget that decreases the burden on taxpayers and grows our economy.
Another major issue involves HB217, one of the most sweeping firearm restrictions considered in Virginia. In its current form, the bill would make it a crime to sell, transfer, purchase, or manufacture many commonly owned semi-automatic firearms after July 1, 2026. It would also ban magazines holding more than 15 rounds, which are standard for many lawful firearms owned by Virginians today.
While current owners could keep what they already have, the bill effectively eliminates the legal marketplace for these firearms moving forward. Violations would be treated as Class 1 misdemeanors, exposing otherwise law-abiding citizens to criminal penalties. The bill’s definition also extends beyond military-style weapons to include firearms commonly used for sport shooting, home defense, and recreation.
HB217 is one of several firearm-related measures I have opposed that were advanced by the majority this session. Others include:
- HB21 – creates “standards of responsible conduct” for the firearm industry and opens it to civil lawsuits by the Attorney General, local governments, and injured parties.
- HB110 – creates a civil penalty up to $500 for leaving a handgun in an unattended vehicle, even if the vehicle is locked.
• HB871 – makes it a Class 4 misdemeanor to keep firearms unsecured in homes with minors or prohibited persons.
• HB901 – expands who may petition for a substantial risk (red flag) order.
• HB909 – expands the definition of “sensitive places” where concealed carry would be prohibited.
These bills raise serious concerns about the rights of lawful gun owners and sellers and will likely face constitutional challenges.
While Democrats are advancing measures that place new restrictions on lawful gun owners, other proposals would limit cooperation with law enforcement, raising concerns about whether these policies will make our communities safer.
The tragic murder of Stephanie Minter, a young mother in Fredericksburg, is a deeply disturbing. The man accused of killing her was reportedly an illegal immigrant with more than 40 prior charges, including rape accusations and a previous stabbing conviction. He also had an active detainer from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and an order of removal, meaning he could have been deported if federal authorities had been able to take custody.
Even as this case has come to light, House Democrats have continued pushing legislation such as HB650 that would limit cooperation with ICE, including restricting courthouse arrests and preventing local law enforcement from working with federal immigration officials. Regardless of where one stands on immigration policy, tragedies like this raise serious questions about the majority’s approach to public safety.
It is an honor to serve you in the Virginia House of Delegates. If I can be of assistance, or if you would like to share your views on any legislative matter, please contact me at DelTAustin@House.Virginia.gov or 804-698-1037.
