RICHMOND, Va. — Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger faced a deadline of 11:59 p.m. Monday to take action on more than 600 remaining bills approved by the General Assembly this session.
Spanberger has already signed over 500 bills into law. For the remaining legislation, she can sign the bills as written, propose amendments, issue a veto, or allow them to become law without her signature.
Spanberger approved a law creating a penalty for leaving handguns unattended in cars. Richmond Police Chief Edwards has said the measure is needed for areas like Shockoe Bottom.
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Spanberger amended a bill that would enact a ban on the sale of assault weapons and high-capacity magazines.
"The Governor’s amendments provide additional clarity to law enforcement as it relates to the firearms included under this legislation, as well as protect the use of certain semi-automatic shotguns used for hunting," a spokesperson said.
A few dozen people marched across the State Capitol Monday to Spanberger's working offices, calling on her to approve legislation expanding collective bargaining rights to many local and state public sector workers, as well as home healthcare workers. The Governor ended up amending the legislation, suggesting to give localities more flexibility on specifics.
Spanberger also submitted amendments for bills on paid sick leave and paid family medical leave.
Additionally, the Governor made amendments on legislation to allow the sale of recreational marijuana starting Jan. 1 — suggesting to push that date to July 1, 2027 — and a bill to toughen penalties on stores that sell illegal vape products or sell to minors.
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Among the bills that had been approved Monday was one to create a tax on fantasy sports contests and one approving the creation of a pilot program where the state would match funds made by private businesses to help their employees with childcare costs.
Gov. Spanberger has also started vetoing legislation, including: requiring Virginians to pay a new fee on all mattress purchases, lessening charging options on serious drug offenses, limiting plea agreement options for defendants and Commonwealth’s Attorneys, allowing towing companies, garage operators, and mechanics to sell more cars on their lots without a court order, and allowing a court to suspend a defendant's license when deferring disposition.
Lawmakers will return to Richmond on April 22 to vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments and vetoes made by the governor. A simple majority is needed to reject amendments, while a two-thirds vote is required to override a veto.
This is a developing story. Email the CBS 6 Newsroom if you have additional information to share.
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