Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System. Virginia has 40 Senators who serve 4-year terms.

Senator Tara Durant (R) represents District 27, which encompasses the City of Fredericksburg and some parts of Stafford and Spotsylvania Counties. Durant was elected in 2023. She serves on the Education and Health, Local Government, and Privileges and Elections committees. Durant is Patron or Co-Patron on 50 bills. We explored a few: SB749 K-12 schools and institutions of higher education; student participation in women's sports; civil cause of action.

This bill mandates that all athletic teams or sports sponsored by public schools, Virginia High School League members, or public higher education institutions be designated based on the biological sex of participants. Teams must be labeled as male, female, or coed/mixed if open to both sexes. A signed physician's statement is required to affirm the biological sex of any student wanting to join a designated team.

It prohibits female-designated teams from allowing male participants and ensures that no government entity, accrediting organization, or athletic association can take action against a school or institution for not following this rule. The bill also allows schools or institutions to take legal action if harmed by violations and permits students to file a civil suit if they are harmed due to a violation or for reporting one.

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Virginia’s General Assembly convened on January 8 for the start of its 30-day session; to keep readers informed on their local representatives’ efforts, we’ve reviewed some of their bills and votes. Virginia shares bills, votes, and schedules online through the Legislative Information System. Virginia has 100 delegates who serve two-year terms. Between Jan. 8 and Jan. 30, 2,370 bills were introduced by delegates and senators. A total of 287 have failed the House of Delegates so far, and 306 have passed the House, many of which have moved into a committee for further review.

Delegate Joshua Cole (D) represents the 65th District, which includes the City of Fredericksburg and parts of Spotsylvania and Stafford. Cole won re-election in November 2024 and is a member of three committees: General Laws, Health and Human Services, and Privileges and Elections. Cole did not cast any votes on Jan. 30. On previous days, he voted Yes on all floor votes. Cole was a Patron or Chief Patron of 131 bills. We explored a few: HB1600 Budget Amendment

Cole has requested $25,000 from the General Fund to support Stafford County’s Rappahannock Education Farm.

HB1598 Individual income tax; first-time homebuyer tax credit.

This bill would create a one-time tax credit for first-time homebuyers. From 2025 to 2029, eligible homebuyers can receive a nonrefundable income tax credit of up to $10,000 for expenses related to buying their first home. The credit is based on the purchase price of the home. However, if the buyer sells the home within three years of purchasing it, they will have to repay the credit.

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With the swearing-in of Donald Trump as America's 47th President on Monday, considering the new administration, we asked some of the Fredericksburg area's elected representatives about their visions for 2025.

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