Virginia’s policy landscape continues to evolve as lawmakers, regulators, and the Governor’s office work through several major issues that could impact hospitality and tourism businesses across the Commonwealth. From paid sick leave legislation and workplace heat regulations to ongoing budget negotiations in Richmond, VRLTA is actively monitoring the latest developments and advocating on behalf of the industry.
Below is a quick snapshot of several key General Assembly and regulatory updates our members should have on their radar heading into the summer months.
Last-Minute Updates from the General Assembly
Governor Spanberger will have until May 23rd to either sign the bill mandating paid sick leave for all employees as it was passed by the General Assembly or veto it. She has already vetoed a bill that would have authorized public employee collective bargaining, as well as a bill that would have established a prescription drug affordability board under state government, and is rumored to be considering a veto of the legislation that would establish a retail cannabis market in 2027. More news to come on that front by next week.
Regulatory Work
Virginia’s Department of Labor and Industry has begun to work on the regulations that will govern how employers must prepare for and respond to heat illness amongst their employees. Other regulatory efforts going on over the Summer include: regulations on key allergens and restaurant procedure when such an allergy is declared, hotel sanitary regulations, campground sanitary regulations, as well as the complete re-write of Virginia’s pool regulations.
Budget Still Not Complete
Virginia still has not passed a unified statewide Budget, with the main sticking point between House and Senate negotiators still being the sales tax exemption on certain equipment for the data center industry. Right now, the rumor is that it will take until late-June for the General Assembly to come back to Richmond and pass a budget. Right now the impasse is between the House Appropriations Chair, Luke Torian, House Speaker Don Scott, and Governor Abigail Spanberger on one side in favor of the tax exemption, and Senator Louise Lucas, President Pro Tempore of the Virginia Senate in favor of repealing the exemption, which could have revenue implications in the billions of dollars over time.