It’s early January in Virginia and that means one exciting thing: the Virginia General Assembly’s legislative session is about to begin! Made up of the Senate of Virginia and the Virginia House of Delegates, the Virginia General Assembly finds its origins in the first legislative assembly held at Jamestown in 1619.

The joint body meets annually for either a 30-day or 60-day session, alternating each year. This year is a “short session,” running from January 9 to February 23 this year. “Crossover” happens when each house finishes their review, debate and approval of bills and budget items. Those items then pass over to the other house for a similar process. This year that occurs on February 6th.

Preservation Virginia will again actively follow the bills and budget amendments proposed by the General Assembly for impacts on historic resources and historic preservation tools. As warranted, Legislative Alerts will urge action by constituents.

Your voice is important. 

You can sign up for Legislative Alerts and find out who your representatives are. Also, be sure to register for our annual Legislative Reception on January 23 at the Hilton Downtown Richmond. This is a great opportunity for you to meet with leaders from the General Assembly and the Administration to highlight the benefits of historic preservation.

And stay tuned. Our advocacy work doesn’t end with the session. Preservation Virginia is active across the Commonwealth year-round. From advocating on behalf of Virginia’s most endangered historic places, to attending and organizing local meetings, to monitoring federal legislation, we are on the ground every day making sure historic resources are protected. You make our work possible when you support Preservation Virginia.