by Jackie Nunnery
RICHMOND—The Virginia General Assembly begins its 2025 session today, January 8, which is also the deadline for any pre-filed bills.
The regular session is an abbreviated one—lasting just 30 days in odd years—and is scheduled to adjourn February 22 and reconvene April 2, according to the Virginia State Legislative Information System (lis.virginia.gov).
There are a number of bills that could have effects locally.
House Bill 1554, sponsored by District 47 Del. Wren Williams of Stuart, would change the funding formula for compensation board deputy sheriffs. While currently calculated as one deputy per 1,500 people, the bill would add one deputy per 1,500 people or every 25 square miles, whichever is greater. The bill would apply to counties and cities without a police force.
House Bill 1557, sponsored by District 72 Del. R. Lee Ware of Powhatan, would establish a short-term rental (STR) registry within the Virginia Department of Taxation. Accommodation providers or intermediaries would have to supply….
