Here’s an update on some of the bills we’ve been following. Those that were signed by the governor will generally become law July 1. The legislature returns April 2 to deal with vetoes and proposed amendments...

“This is a big asset here for Central Virginia,” Del. Wendell Walker, R-Lynchburg, told The News & Advance. “This just shows you what the community colleges mean in our community.”

HB 2119 (Del. Wendell Walker) / SB 1203 (Sen. Christopher Head) Passed. 
Certificate of public need; task force to develop recommendation for expedited applications & review.

Here’s what happened to some of the bills we’ve been following in the General Assembly. This list only covers those that were still alive at the legislature’s midpoint.

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"...I'm very excited about where we are, get back to Richmond in a couple of days and put the finishing touches on this, so Virginians will have a lot to smile about after April 2," Walker said.

The Lynchburg Regional Business Alliance hosted the annual "Policy and Pancakes" breakfast on Wednesday. It's the meeting where lawmakers go over the accomplishments during this legislative...

“This bill will hopefully close some loopholes that have allowed bad actors to escape prosecution,” Walker said. “Courts needed another tool in their toolbox for prosecuting these type of cases.”

Every year, the Council of Independent Colleges in Virginia organizes this student advocacy day at the Virginia General Assembly, where students who receive the VTAG (Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant)...

Walker believes that dealers linked to overdoses should face harsher charges, such as felony homicide. "We've got to make sure that the message is sent that this is going to be a strong felony offense," he said.

Delegate Wendell Walker first brought the proposal forward in 2023, inspired by the story of Jim Peters, a local man who has been trying to access his original birth certificate for decades.

"They're not going to turn off their power, they've got to work to at least give them nine months to work out a payment plan before any power is disconnected. So APCO listened to us, they heard us," Walker said.

"Businesses are already struggling with government regulations and mandates. Then to impose more on employers, it just makes it harder for them at the end of the day. The impact that this may have on businesses...