House committee advances bill to create statewide collective bargaining for public employees

Delegate Tran, the patron of HB 12 63, told a House subcommittee the substitute before the panel clarifies implementation timelines and expands collective bargaining rights statewide, including consumer‑directed home‑care workers and a new Virginia Home Care Authority to represent certain independent providers.

"Our public sector employee, employees are the backbone of our communities," Delegate Tran said, arguing the measure would improve recruitment, retention and public services.

The committee heard a stream of supporters from unions and local officials. Keith Andes, president of Richmond Professional Firefighters Local 95, said public safety personnel deserve the representation the bill would afford. Daryl Turner, a preschool teacher and Virginia Education Association member, said the bill would help school employees avoid choosing between essentials and groceries.

Opponents focused on cost and implementation. Dylan Bishop, representing the Virginia Government Employees Association, said the Commonwealth faces a $3.2 billion Medicaid shortfall and estimated the bill’s fiscal impact at roughly $90 million; he urged a phased approach tied to modernizing job classifications. Bill Carrick of the Virginia State Police said 65% of surveyed troopers opposed bargaining and urged excluding state police because of operational and command concerns.

Members pressed on carve‑outs and fiscal implications. Delegate Runyon and others asked whether constitutional officers and state police were consulted; Tran said she met with stakeholders and incorporated provisions to allow separate bargaining units for state police and make participation optional for certain constitutional officers. Concerns about creating hundreds of new administrative positions and multi‑year budget impacts were raised during the debate.

Delegate Deborah Bolling moved to report the bill and refer the substitute to the Appropriations Committee. The motion carried by roll call, 4–2, advancing the substitute with a referral to appropriations for fiscal review and consideration.

The bill was reported with substitute and will await further review in Appropriations.