Marcus B. Simon

This bill creates the "Virginia Power Innovation Fund" to provide taxpayer funds for research and development of "innovative energy technologies." Additionally, the bill enacts a "Virginia Power Innovation Program" to develop a "Virginia nuclear innovation hub" and provide taxpayer-funded grants for purposes such as nuclear research and workforce development. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayer funds should not be utilized to advance government-favored energy projects. The free-market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to direct investment to the most promising and worthy energy projects.

Expanding Cronyism and Wasteful Spending through the Creation of a "Virginia Power Innovation Fund" to Dole out Grants for Government-Favored Energy Projects.

This bill authorizes localities to establish "Business Improvement and Recruitment Districts" if approved by at least 50% of business owners. Businesses under the district would be forced to pay an additional tax for purposes of "economic development" and recruitment of other businesses to move to the area. Localities may establish a process by which businesses charged the tax may be eligible for a reduction in other taxes they may pay. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not further expand the size and scope of government to engage in "economic development". The free-market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to foster business growth. Additionally, this cronyism places additional unnecessary tax burdens on small businesses and potentially other taxpayers if localities dilute the tax base through other tax reductions for just the businesses within the district.

Expanding Cronyism and Government Central Planning Powers by Creating "Business Improvement Districts" which can Impose Additional Fees on Businesses for Promotion Activities.

Amendment 103 #7h to the appropriations bill provides $10 million in competitive grants to expand availability of early childcare centers in the state, prioritizing projects using under-utilized space in community colleges. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels cronyism by enriching select childcare centers through taxpayer funded grants. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to make childcare affordable and accessible by reducing onerous regulations.

Worsening Cronyism by Providing $10 Million in Grants for Select Childcare Centers.

The Scott amendment to Item 4-5.04 #3h in the annual appropriations bill. This motion blocks the amendment, which allows state funds to be used for abortions when the fetus has been diagnosed with certain fetal abnormalities, which was permitted under existing state law. Support is the Limited Government Position as it is not the role of government to promote abortion and force taxpayers, many of whom may have strong religious objections, to fund abortion.

Blocking Unnecessary Spending within the Budget - Taxpayer Funded Abortion for Fetal Abnormality Diagnoses.

This bill extends the duration of a concealed carry permit from 5 years to 10 years. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers that do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Reducing an Unnecessary Burden to Exercise Second Amendment Rights by Extending the Duration of Concealed Carry Permits from 5 Years to 10 Years.

The Kilgore amendment 114 #2h to the appropriations bill. This amendment provides $5 million to the Virginia Tourism Authority for the Ladies Professional Golf Association's (LPGA) 2024 Solheim Cup. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not central planning by government bureaucrats - is the best mechanism to select the most desired events and provide the necessary funding (via tickets and other user fees). The state must pursue every available avenue to rein in its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Fueling Out-of-Control Spending by Adding $5 Million for a Golf Tournament in the Appropriations Bill.

This bill expands Virginia's overtime law to now include domestic service workers who reside in the household. Domestic workers must be paid an overtime premium at a rate of at least 1.5 times the employee's regular rate for hours worked more than 40 hours in any one work week. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as employees and employers should be free to negotiate their own employment agreements and terms of compensation without undue interference by government. Domestic workers typically receive many other non-traditional benefits such as housing, food, transportation access, etc. This bill will likely result in many families no longer being able to financially support caregivers for children, aging parents, etc.

Reducing Employment Opportunities for Caregivers and Hiking Costs for Families by Expanding Overtime Requirements to Cover Domestic Service Workers.

This bill requires all voters to present a photo-id when casting a ballot by eliminating a provision under previous law which allows individuals to circumvent the id requirement if they sign a statement instead. Under the bill, voters who do not present a photo-id will only be permitted to cast a provisional ballot. The bill also eliminates voter confirmation documents, utility bills, bank statements, paychecks, and other similar documents as acceptable forms of identification. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Presentation of a Photo-ID when Casting a Ballot.

This bill prohibits the usage of aftermarket headlights that appear as a blue light on motor vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and other personal mobility devices. Lawmakers cited concerns about glare from blue lights as the reason for the ban. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this excessive one-size-fits-all ban unduly infringes on the freedom of automotive enthusiasts to customize their vehicles as they wish. Such a significant government action should only be taken in cases of direct and significant safety implications, not on the basis of preventing a mere nuisance for certain motorists.

Weakening Automotive Freedom by Imposing an Overreaching Ban on Aftermarket Headlights which Appear as a Blue Light on Vehicles, Motorcycles, Bicycles and Scooters.

This bill amends how the State Corporation Commission establishes new energy efficiency savings targets for utility companies. Beginning in 2029, the targets must be set at "the greatest level of energy savings that the Commission finds is feasible and cost-effective." The Commission is required to retain an expert to conduct a study, and utilities are allowed to recover any costs of assisting with the study that the Commission determines to be "reasonable and prudent." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development. Utility companies should aim to provide the best service with the lowest rates possible, not focus on advancing environmental and political agendas which ultimately harm ratepayers.

Driving Up Utility Rates by Forcing Power Companies to Meet New Energy Efficiency Targets.

This bill prohibits local governments across the state from imposing any ordinances that restrict a consumers ability to access the energy source of their choice, including natural gas, hydrogen, and propane. As a result, the bill would preempt bans on natural gas hook-up and all-electric building codes. Support is the Limited Government Position as several local governments across the country, in order to advance a politized environmental agenda, have infringed on the rights of their residents to utilize natural gas. While some may argue this bill undermines "local control", our founding fathers only recognized three entities within the U.S. Constitution - the federal government, the state government, and the individual. It is not the role of any level of government to unduly infringe on the rights of individuals, therefore making preemption measures, such as this bill, necessary.

Protecting Consumer Choice by Prohibiting Local Governments from Imposing All-Electric Building Codes and Anti-Natural Gas Ordinances.

This bill establishes a new health insurance mandate concerning mental health. It requires all healthcare policies offered in the state to provide coverage for "mobile crisis response services" and "support and stabilization services provided in a residential crisis stabilization unit". Furthermore, the coverages provided for these services must be equal as in-office settings. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as each and every health insurance mandate or price control prevents an individual from selecting a plan with just basic or customized coverages to fit their specific needs. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans loaded with coverages that most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Insurance Premiums by Mandating all Insurance Plans Now Provide Coverage for "Mobile Crisis Response Services" Concerning Mental Health.

This bill extends the amount of time from 5 days to 14 days after rent is due that a landlord must wait to begin the legal process to evict a non-paying tenant. Under current law, the eviction process in Virginia takes roughly three to four months. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill weakens property rights and ultimately drives up housing costs for everyone by exposing landlords to greater levels of risk and expense due to tenant non-payment.

Weakening Property Rights and Further Delaying the Eviction Process by Forcing Landlords to Wait 14 Days to Seek Legal Remedies for Tenant Non-Payment (Previously 5 Days).

This bill allows property owners who successfully appeal a "stop work order" (an order to stop construction) issued by a locality to recover court costs and attorney and witness fees from the locality. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat and dissuade government overreach by holding government accountable for its overreach. Additionally, the bill helps lessen the financial burden placed on property owners due to the wrongful actions of government bureaucrats.

Combatting Government Overreach by Requiring Localities to Reimburse Property Owners Legal Costs for Successfully Challenging Stop Work Orders.

This bill prohibits any public elementary or secondary school student from being suspended or expelled from school without first implementing at least one "evidence-based restorative disciplinary practice," such as community service, mentoring, and peer mediation. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill worsens educational outcomes for all students by making it more difficult to remove individuals who threaten the safety of other students and disrupt productive learning environments.

Jeopardizing Student Safety and Effective Learning Environments by Implementing Barriers to Expelling Students for Violent and Threatening Behavior.

This bill clarifies that an employer may appeal a decision by the Department of Taxation (DoT), stating that the DoT misclassified the employers' workers under state labor law. This may occur before the employer is officially debarred from public contracts with the state. Under prior law it was unclear if an employer had this right. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens due process while also potentially reducing taxpayer costs through increased competition in the procurement process. The private contracting agreements between employer and workers should not be a concern of the state in the first place, but this bill at least helps provide employers with an avenue to contest the government overreach.

Strengthening Due Process by Ensuring State Contractors Have an Opportunity to Appeal an Employee Misclassification Determination Before They Are Debarred from Public Contracts.

This bill expands eligibility for the state's school choice scholarship program and increases the tax credit for donations under the Education Improvement Scholarships Tax Credit Program from 65% to 100% of contributions. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill improves educational outcomes for all students by fostering competition and a market in education, which encourages schools to provide the best education so they can attract parents to enroll their child and receive the associated funding.

Improving Educational Outcomes by Expanding Eligibility and the Size of the State's School Choice Scholarship Program.

This bill no longer requires a tenant to deposit the rent they owe into a court escrow account before they file a noncompliance case against a landlord. Under prior law, a tenant alleging noncompliance such as lack of hot water or a rodent infestation had to first place any outstanding rent into the account prior to filing. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure fuels frivolous claims by devious tenants seeking to abuse the system in order to avoid paying rent. Such a measure also creates further backlogs in the Virginia legal system.

Creating a New Rent Avoidance Loophole for Devious Tenants by No Longer Requiring a Tenant to Deposit Owed Rent into an Escrow Account to File a Noncompliance Case Against a Landlord

This bill establishes the Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB), tasked with identifying prescription, generic, and other drugs that are offered for sale in the state and conducting affordability reviews of any prescription drug product. The Board is required to set an upper payment limit (UPL) if they determine that the drug has led to or will lead to an "affordability challenge." State-sponsored and state-regulated health plans and programs would be obligated to limit drug payment amounts and reimbursements to the UPL amount set by the Board. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill represents an egregious interference in the healthcare industry, as pharmaceutical price controls limit access to life-saving treatments and hinders medical innovation.

Creating a Prescription Drug Affordability Board (PDAB) to Implement Drug Price Controls.

This bill removes the prohibition on carrying most concealed switchblade knives, thus allowing them to now be carried in the state. Support is the Limited Government Position as the bill strengthens individual liberties and the ability for individuals to protect themselves and others.

Strengthening Individual Liberties by Permitting Most Switchblade Knives to be Carried Concealed within the State.

This bill makes permanent provisions that allow distillers, mixed beverage restaurant licensees, and limited mixed beverage restaurant licensees to sell mixed beverages for off-premises consumption by removing the law's 2024 sunset date. The provision also allows farm wineries to sell pre-mixed wine for off-premises consumption. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a step in the right direction toward expanding consumer choice and individual liberties while also removing an unnecessary restriction on alcohol sales.

Expanding Individual Liberties by Making Provisions Allowing Off-Premises Alcohol Consumption Permanent.

This bill prohibits the sale of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, such as e-cigarettes, that are not listed on the state directory. To be included on the directory, a product must be authorized or pending review by the FDA. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction.

Infringing Individual Liberties by Prohibiting the Sale of Vapor Products Not Authorized by the FDA.

This bill prohibits health insurers from adjusting premium rates based on tobacco usage, as was previously permitted, along with other relevant factors, such as age. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure - like all other health insurance mandates and price controls - prevents insurers from accurately assessing and pricing risk. As a result, health insurers are forced to only offer costly plans that are based on elevated risks and loaded with coverage most individuals do not need. This can result in lower-income or younger individuals choosing to purchase no insurance plan at all due to the high cost.

Hiking Health Insurance Premiums by Prohibiting Insurers from Adjusting Rates Based on Tobacco Usage.

This bill increases the minimum wage from $12.00 to $13.50 in 2025, and $15 in 2026. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.

Reducing Employment Opportunities and Driving Up Consumer Costs by Increasing the Minimum Wage to $15 an Hour by 2026.

This bill requires the Department of Taxation and the Commission on Local Government to assess the need for lower income tax rates in areas considered "double distressed". This includes certain localities with a significant population decrease since 2013 and also have unemployment and poverty rates above the statewide average. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone - not manipulated through central planning by bureaucrats. This measure merely shifts tax burdens to taxpayers in other portions of the state, while failing to address the underlying reasons which may have made a locality distressed such as crime, etc.

Gowing Government Central Planning and Further Distorting the Tax Code through Carveouts to Select Regions of the State.

This bill creates the "Precision Plastic Manufacturing Grant Fund" to provide up to $56 million in grants to the Denmark-based Lego company to help pay for its manufacturing and distribution facility in Chesterfield County. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this cronyism enriches a foreign-owned company at the expense of other small businesses and taxpayers. Instead of this government central planning scheme, lawmakers should have empowered the free market to provide much greater amounts of economic growth by lowering taxes for all companies through measures like HB 2138.

Expanding Cronyism and Enriching Woke Corporations by Providing $56 Million in Corporate Welfare to the Foreign-Owned Lego Company.

This bill contains several provisions designed to strengthen parental rights in education. For example, the bill requires that public K-12 schools make available to parents a list of all materials in the school library, identify materials containing graphic sexual content, and allow parents to restrict their child's access to such materials. Support is the Limited Government Position as strong parental rights in their child's education is a critical element of a free society. This measure ensures parents retain the right to direct their child's upbringing. This is especially important when discussing sensitive topics, which is something parents should be doing, not government employees.

Strengthening Parental Rights by Requiring Graphic Sexual Content in School Libraries and Classrooms be Highlighted to Allow Parents to Restrict their Child's Access.

This bill allows pharmacists to initiate treatment and administer medications, including certain controlled substances, for the flu, strep throat, COVID-19, and urinary tract infections. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill increases healthcare access and lowers costs by providing additional options for individuals seeking treatment.

Increasing Healthcare Access by Expanding Pharmacist Scope of Practice to Include Testing and Treatment of Certain Infections.

This bill places an additional mandate on drug manufactures. Under federal law, manufactures are forced to provide a certain amount of their drugs at below market rates (aka 340B-covered drugs). Under this bill, in order to obtain a state permit, a manufacture may now also not limit the number of contract pharmacies or covered entities that the manufacture provides 340B-covered drugs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows government interference in the marketplace and enriches pharmacies by extorting drug manufactures.

Extorting Drug Manufacturers by Forcing them to Expand their Distribution of Discounted Drugs (340B-Covered) to Pharmacies in Order to Operate in the State.

This bill creates the "Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Premium Assistance Program Fund", which utilizes taxpayer funds to cover the premium dairy farmers pay under the federal Dairy Margin Coverage Program. This program, heavily subsidized by federal taxpayers, provides insurance for dairy farmers if the price of milk drops. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as taxpayers - at any level of government - should not be forced to subsidize the dairy industry. All industries and businesses have unique risks and challenges and it is not the role of taxpayers to subsidize or bailout any industry.

Further Enriching Dairy Producers by Forcing Taxpayers to Pay the Fee Producers are Supposed to Pay Under the Crony Federal Dairy Producer Margin Coverage Welfare Program.

This bill requires the Department of Planning and Budget to establish a continuous "Regulatory Budget Program" to set a two-year target for each executive branch agency to reduce regulations and regulatory requirements. Support is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should make every possible effort to ensure that any regulations placed on the private sector are of absolute necessity to advance government's core duties of protecting life, liberty, and property. The state's regulatory code is currently chock-full of unnecessary regulations and restrictions that restrict competition and unnecessarily drive up business and consumer costs.

Restraining Government by Implementing a Regulatory Budget Program Designed to Reduce Regulations and Regulatory Requirements.

This bill permits state and local law-enforcement agencies to place and operate a photo speed monitoring device at a "high-risk intersection segment" for the purpose of recording violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as these systems have been abused by countless local governments across the nation to produce revenue, many of which place such devices not at spots closest to schools but at locations most likely to catch speeders. Additionally, the significant increases in automated traffic systems brings up valid concerns regarding civil liberties and the growth of government tracking and surveillance.

Growing the Surveillance State and Authorizing "Taxation through Citation" by Allowing Local Law Enforcement to Deploy Speed Cameras.

This bill requires a crew of at least two qualified individuals (union workers) on all trains, locomotives, or light engines used in connection with moving freight. Oppose is the Limited Government Provision as this bill serves to enrich labor unions through costly and unnecessary mandates on the rail industry. Such measure also hinders future railway automation which lowers consumer costs.

Hiking Freight Costs and Enriching Unions by Mandating Minimum Crew Requirements on Railroads.

This bill accelerates the timeline that a public utility must construct an off-shore wind facility from 2034 to 2032. Additionally, the State Corporation Commission (SCC) must account for the projects "positive economic impacts and workforce development" when reviewing requests for cost recovery by a utility. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill unnecessarily hikes the costs of electricity for families and businesses in Virginia. Electricity procurement should be obtained from the most cost-effective sources to ensure the lowest costs for customers. Additionally, forcing the SCC to consider irrelevant factors in cost recovery merely enrich utility companies at the expense of customers.

Hiking Electricity Rates and Enriching Utility Companies by Accelerating Off-Shore Wind Construction.

This bill allows inmates to receive "earned sentence credits" for time served before a conviction, including time spent in state hospitals. The bill also applies retroactively, likely resulting in shorter prison sentences for a majority of inmates in the state. Oppose is the Limited Government position as this bill would likely result in a jailbreak and spiking crime across Virginia. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle. It is the responsibility of the government to protect the public and restore law and order by holding criminals accountable.

Threatening Public Safety by Expanding "Earned Sentence Credits" to Now Count Time Served Prior to Convictions.

This bill would require "unconscious bias and cultural competency training" to be added to the continuing education requirements for the renewal of licensure under the authority of the Board of Medicine. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as medical professionals should not be forced to undergo politized indoctrination in order to obtain licensure. This measure is largely designed to enrich leftist entities which provide such a service.

Forcing Medical Professionals to Undergo Politicized Bias and Cultural Competency Training in Order to Renew their Licenses.

This bill would create the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank, which would be granted the authority to provide public funds, grants, loans, and other financial methods to speed up clean energy projects. Under the bill, eligible projects must promote clean energy, energy efficiency, and water conservation, focusing on projects in low-income areas. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free market - not government central planning - is the best mechanism to advance energy development.

Creating the Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank to Fund Private Energy Projects.

This bill implements firearm storage requirements, stipulating that in homes where a minor or person who is prohibited from owning a firearm resides, firearms and ammunition must be in a locked container, compartment, or cabinet that is inaccessible to such minor or prohibited person. Additionally, the bill requires firearm dealers to post such firearm storage requirements and the penalty for violations. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.

Growing Government Overreach by Implementing Storage Requirements for Firearms in Residences.

This bill creates a misdemeanor crime for the import, sale, manufacture, purchase, or transfer of "assault firearms" and high-capacity magazines made after July 1. Additionally, the bill creates a new rule banning anyone under the age of 21 from buying or possession "assault weapons" regardless of the manufacture date. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Prohibiting the Sale of "Assault Firearms".

This bill requires the Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission to include in their annual report the name of any judge that is determined to have violated the Canons of Judicial Conduct (ethics rules) and received disciplinary action. The specific violation along with the disciplinary action taken must also be publicly disclosed. Support is the Limited Government Position as this measure helps reduce corruption and conflicts of interest by strengthening transparency and accountability while helping ensure government is accountable to the people.

Strengthening Government Transparency through the Public Disclosure of Judges who Violate Ethics Rules.

This bill largely bans the ability of individuals to build their own firearms by criminalizing the import, purchase, sale, or transfer of any unfinished frame or receiver, or any firearm without a valid serial number. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government.

Weakening Second Amendment Rights by Banning Home-Crafted Firearms.

This bill mandates minimum staffing levels for nursing homes and empowers the State Health Commissioner to impose sanctions, such as restrictions on admissions, and potentially revoke a facility's license for a violation of said sanctions. Oppose is the limited government position as this one-size-fits-all mandate drives up nursing home costs by increasing operating costs for facilities. Instead of imposing new, burdensome mandates, lawmakers should empower the free market to make nursing home care more affordable and accessible by reducing regulations and other anti-competitive measures.

Hiking Nursing Home Costs by Imposing New Government Mandates on Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Levels.

This bill enables an individual permitted by the Federal government to be in the United States for just a limited duration to apply for an original license, permit, or special identification card for the full eight-year term. Additionally, this bill removes the requirement that driver privilege cards have printed restrictions identical to limited duration licenses, used to distinguish between legal and non-legal resident IDs. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as maintaining strong safeguards against voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Weakening Election Integrity by Expanding Non-Citizens Access to IDs.

This bill requires state entities to give additional weight to projects in low-income areas and those that "incorporate nature-based solutions" when considering funding for projects under the Resilient Virginia Revolving Fund This fund provides loans and grants to local governments for flood resilience projects. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as while this program should likely be eliminated entirely, at the very least, funds should not be wasted to meet politicized criteria. The state must pursue every available avenue to rein its out-of-control spending, which, when coupled with the over $185 trillion in federal liabilities, represents the greatest existential threat facing this country.

Forcing Taxpayers to Pay for Government-Favored Infrastructure Projects in Low-Income Areas.

This bill requires fingerprints to be submitted with an application for a concealed handgun permit or a renewal of such permit. While the bill mandates the fingerprints collected must be destroyed by the state, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) retains these fingerprints for the individual's lifetime. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure threatens the privacy rights of individuals exercising their second amendment rights and imposes a superfluous restriction to gaining a firearms permit.

Implementing Superfluous Fingerprint Requirements on Applicants for Concealed Handgun Permits.

This bill allows localities to provide "regulatory flexibility" for an "urban green space," such as city parks, sports fields, and gardens, by allowing reduced permit fees and streamlined permit approval. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as, while reducing regulations is generally positive, this measure may incentivize localities to impose even more draconian regulations, then provide "relief" through this flexibility scheme. Lawmakers should not incentivize even greater central planning through this new tool that may be weaponized by radical environmental activists.

Worsening Government Central Planning Powers by Allowing Localities to Incentivize "Urban Green Spaces" Through Regulatory Flexibility.

This bill further expands the types of "consumer transactions" subjected to Virginia's price gouging restriction during disasters. The price gouging restrictions now also apply to transactions such as advertising, leasing, licensing and contract of employment services. Additionally, the bill extends the duration of the price controls by lengthening the period considered as the "time of disaster." Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the free-market plays an essential role during times of disaster by properly allocating scarce resources and incentivizing the shipment and production of additional goods to the disaster zone. Anti-price gouging laws - like all price controls - merely worsen a disaster by encouraging hoarding, creating shortages and disincentivizing the flow of additional goods and relief.

Worsening Shortages During an Emergency by Expanding Draconian Prohibitions on Price Gouging.

This bill allows most state agency employees to store a firearm and ammunition in a locked vehicle at their workplace and invalidates any prior, conflicting regulations or rules. The bill does not apply to the Department of Corrections, Department of Juvenile Justice, Virginia Port Authority, or a public institution of higher education. Support is the Limited Government Position as James Madison and our nation's other founding fathers understood that the right to keep and bear arms is a crucial individual liberty and protects the citizenry against a tyrannical government. This measure helps reduce unnecessary barriers for lawful individuals wishing to exercise their Second Amendment rights, barriers that do nothing to deter criminals from engaging in unlawful behavior.

Strengthening the Second Amendment Rights of State Agency Employees by Permitting Firearms to be Stored in Locked Motor Vehicles at Most Government Workplaces.

This bill prevents state employees and officers from downloading or accessing TikTok or other applications developed by ByteDance Ltd. or Tencent Holdings Ltd., both Chinese companies, on state devices or networks. Support is the Limited Government Position as the installation of such systems poses a significant and unnecessary threat to state and federal networks. Additionally, state employees should not be utilizing government equipment to access entertainment apps, such as TikTok.

Strengthening National Security by Banning TikTok and Other Chinese Government-Owned Applications from Being Accessed on State-Issued Devices or Networks.

This bill provides that campground and campsite owners are not liable for injuries that are the result of "inherent risks of camping," such as natural conditions, wild animals, and fires. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill reduces frivolous lawsuits for injuries or damages that are beyond the control of campground owners.

Protecting Campground Owners from Frivolous Litigation by Establishing Liability Protections from Incidents Inherent to Camping that Are Outside of Their Control.

This bill requires any landlord of an apartment complex who decides not to renew either 20 or more month-to-month tenancies (or more than 50% of their tenancies) to provide the tenants at least 60 days' notice. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure invokes even greater government interference into private contracting agreements while creating additional avenues for frivolous litigation.

Weakening Property Rights by Imposing a New Mandate on Apartment Complexes Requiring 60 Day Notice if They Wish to Not Renew Multiple Tenant Leases.

This bill requires the State Corporation Commission to establish a "shared solar program" for Appalachian Power Customers. This program, typically for customers who do not have the room to install solar panels on their residences, allows them to instead purchase power through a subscription in a solar facility that is constructed in a non-urban location. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this program, like similar "net-metering" solar subsidy schemes, fails to account for the significant power transmission costs and other operational expenses incurred by utility companies. As a result, these costs are transferred onto all other power customers through higher electricity rates, placing unnecessary additional financial burdens onto businesses and families across the region.

Hiking Electricity Rates for Appalachian Power Customers Through the Creation of a "Shared Solar Program".

This bill expands the current law allowing for the establishment of a community revitalization fund to apply to all localities in the state, instead of only applying to the city of Richmond. The fund is used to provide loans and grants for construction, renovation, or demolition of residential structures, infrastructure improvements, and acquisition of blighted structures. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the private sector is best equipped to drive residential growth in the state - not central planning by government bureaucrats. Lawmakers should instead empower the free market to increase access and affordability to housing by reducing stringent zoning regulations.

Expanding Cronyism and Fueling Wasteful Spending by Permitting All Localities in the State to Fund Residential Revitalization Projects Through Loans and Grants.

This bill creates the "Cloud Computing Cluster Infrastructure Grant Fund" to provide grants to companies that invest at least $50 billion and create at least 1,500 full-time jobs. Additionally, the bill allows for an extension of the sales and use tax exemption for computer equipment and enabling software used in data centers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as all state and local tax codes should be constructed in a broadly applied manner with the lowest rates possible for everyone. The central planning and tax cronyism enacted under this measure provides special benefits and advantages to certain industries and individuals - such as Amazon and Jeff Bezos - while shifting tax burdens onto small business and other taxpayers.  Instead, lawmakers should instead provide a broad tax cut across all industries, which will allow the free market to provide far greater job and business growth.

Expanding Cronyism by Providing Hundreds of Millions of Dollars in Corporate Welfare to Amazon and Jeff Bezos through the Extension of the Data Center Sales Tax Exemption.

This bill requires Transportation Network Companies (TNC) (such as Uber and Lyft) to submit annual reports to the DMV Commissioner regarding the average fare collected from passengers, the total time driven by drivers while transporting passengers, and the total amount earned in connection to pre-arranged rides. Additionally, the bill requires a TNC to disclose to its drivers details about the deactivation process and provide a weekly summary of fares and breakdown. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure further grows the regulatory state, merely serving as yet another government-imposed mandate on rideshare companies.

Increasing Consumer Costs by Imposing New Reporting Requirements on Rideshare Companies.

his bill extends any land use approvals (such as subdivision plats) that were approved by a locality as of July 1, 2020 to now be approved through July 1, 2025. The bill is intended to help property owners and developers impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Support is the Limited Government Position as draconian land use and zoning laws across the state - especially within Loudon County, VA - have infringed on the property rights of landowners and resulted in high housing costs due to the failures of government central planning. This measure serves as a step in the right direction to ensure property owners who have received approval under these heavy-handed regimes are able to develop their land as they planned.

Protecting Property Rights by Extending the Local Land Use Approvals that Were Valid at the Start of the Pandemic.

This bill directs the Department of Social Services to provide additional information to food banks.  This information includes "outreach opportunities for providing food assistance" under the SNAP welfare program and details on how to enter into a contract with the Department to provide assistance. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as lawmakers should not actively work to market and promote the growth of the welfare state. Such actions not only trap even more individuals into government dependency, but further crowds out the charitable and private sector, reducing their ability to care for individuals in need. The private sector is best equipped to help solve the underlying challenges for individuals to become self-sufficient - which government is abysmal at doing.

Growing Government Dependency and Welfare Promotion by Mandating Food Banks Receive Information on SNAP Welfare Benefits Including Contracting with the State for Assistance.

This bill stipulates that when a defendant is taken into custody for an alleged technical (probation) violation the court may not impose more than 14 days of active incarceration. If a decision has not been made within 14 days, bail must be provided, regardless of if the defendant is a flight risk or likely to re-offend based on past behavior. Oppose is the Limited Government position as ensuring public safety and protecting property rights serve as essential components of government. Unfortunately, this bill represents one of many so-called criminal justice "reforms" which have led to skyrocketing crime rates and are being advanced in state legislatures by George Soros and other radical-left billionaires through their funding of advocacy organizations on both sides of the political aisle.

Threatening Public Safety by Limiting Incarceration for Probation Violations to 14 Days Regardless of Likelihood to Reoffend.

This bill requires the Department of Elections to update its list of registered voters monthly by utilizing change-of-address information from the U.S. Postal Service, up until 90 days before a federal primary or general election. Support is the Limited Government Position as maintaining safeguards to prevent voter fraud are critical aspects of ensuring free and fair elections, an essential component of democracy under our nation's constitutional republic.

Strengthening Election Integrity by Requiring Voter Lists be Updated 90 Days Prior to an Election with Change of Address Information from the U.S. Postal Service.

This bill establishes a "first-party bad faith law" in Virginia. As a result, an automobile insurer is liable for a double payout of damages, lost income and legal costs to the policy holder if the insurer denies a claim and later found by a court to be liable for the claim and acting in bad faith. A similar policy has been enacted in just a handful of other states and is estimated to increase VA insurance premiums by 14%. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this measure incentives frivolous litigation and enriches trial lawyers, while making automotive insurance much more costly for all Virginians.

Hiking Auto Insurance Premiums Through a "First-Party Bad Faith Law" which may Subjects Insurers to Double Pay-outs to Policy Holders.

This bill establishes the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority as a political subdivision to finance the construction of a sports and entertainment campus in Alexandria, Virginia. Under the bill, Authority members would hire independent contractors, enter contracts, acquire property, borrow money, and issue bonds for up to 40 years. The bill is estimated to provide a $1.5 billion subsidy for billionaire Ted Leonsis who owns the Washington Capitals and Wizards and is seeking to construct a new stadium in Potomac Yard. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as it is the role of the free market - not the government - to coordinate and finance the construction of sports facilities and entertainment centers. This cronyism further enriches billionaires such as Leonsis at the expense of other everyday Virginians.

Indebting Taxpayers and Growing Government Central Planning by Creating a New Public Entity to Construct a Sports and Entertainment Campus in Alexandria which will Enrich Billionaire Ted Leonsis.

This bill provides for individuals and businesses to be reimbursed for any fines and fees imposed for violations of COVID-19 rules. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps correct the overreaching government actions taken during the COVID-19 pandemic, which harmed individuals and businesses through restrictions and shutdowns.

Reimbursing Individuals and Businesses for Fines and Fees Imposed on Them as the Result of Overreaching Government Actions During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

This bill allows utility companies to petition the State Corporation Commission for approval of a rate increase to recover the costs of small modular nuclear reactor projects before the project is completed. To protect against boondoggles and other bad investments, existing law required power company to first make the investment and bring the system online before recovering the costs from ratepayers. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as this bill serves as a blank check for utility companies and nuclear energy companies to enrich themselves at the expense of ratepayers. There have been multiple cases in states such as South Carolina, Florida, and Georgia where ratepayers have been forced to pay billions of dollars in higher electricity costs due to boondoggle nuclear power projects. If such a project is not a worthy investment of a utility company or other investors, it is likely not a worthy investment for ratepayers either.

Placing Virginia Electricity Users at Risk of a Boondoggle by Permitting Dominion Energy to Pass Modular Reactor Project Costs onto Ratepayers Before Project Completion.

This bill requires any legislation creating a board, council, or commission within the state legislative branch to provide for its expiration after three years. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill strengthens government accountability by providing for the automatic expiration of legislative boards, councils, and commissions, which will help reduce the size and scope of government and lower costs to taxpayers. By providing for automatic expiration, this measure helps eliminate unnecessary boards, councils, and commissions.

Strengthening Government Accountability by Subjecting all Boards, Councils and Commissions within the Legislative Branch to Expiration or Renewal Three Years After their Creation.

This bill allows surgical assistants to immediately practice for up to 6 months following graduation from a training program while awaiting the results of a national certification examination. The bill also provides additional pathways for surgical technologists to satisfy educational requirements, including apprenticeship programs and hospital training programs. Support is the Limited Government Position as this bill helps combat hospital staffing shortages by providing regulatory flexibility and reducing barriers to employment.

Combatting Hospital Staffing Shortages by Permitting Surgical Assistants to Begin Practice Immediately Following Graduation from a Training Program Under Certain Conditions.

This bill eliminates the exemption to the state's minimum wage for farm laborers, farm employees and certain temporary foreign workers. Under the bill, the wage level for these positions is set at a minimum of $12 per hour starting July 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as the minimum wage - like all price controls - distorts the marketplace, increasing unemployment for individuals who lack experience or whose productivity does not meet the higher wage level set by government.

Expanding Minimum Wage Mandates to Include Temporary Foreign Workers and Farm Laborers.

This bill imposes further costs and restrictions on the sale and use of liquid nicotine and nicotine vapor products. Under the bill, nicotine vapor products may not be sold to individuals under the age of 21, with new penalties enacted for underaged sales, including a $10,000 fine and revocation of a distributor's license. The bill also prohibits internet sales of liquid nicotine or nicotine vapor products, except to a retail dealer, and prohibits the sale of such products in vending machines. Compliance checks are required every 24 months on related retailers. Lastly, the bill implements a $0.666 per milliliter tax upon liquid nicotine in closed systems and a tax on open systems of 20 percent of the wholesale price starting in 2024. Oppose is the Limited Government Position as tobacco and nicotine usage is an individual liberty which individuals who have reached the age of majority should be able to exercise without unnecessary government restriction.

Year	Edu	Energy & Env	Speech	Health	Liberty	Law & Gov	Security	Reg	Tax & Fiscal	Work & Labor
2024	0	44.44	0	14.29	0	28.57	0	28.57	0	0
2023	0	0	0	0	0	9.52	0	0	4.55	0

ILA

Marcus B. Simon