Senate passes amended two-year budget after heated RGGI and redistricting debate

The Senate of Virginia passed the amended two-year budget (House Bill 29) on Feb. 19, adopting a package of committee amendments and final passage by a recorded vote of Ayes 21, Noes 18.

The amendment package included measures described by sponsors as technical fixes and policy clarifications. A sponsor of one amendment described a change that would delay public reporting of campaign finance audit results, noting "the law requires 10% of all campaigns each cycle to be audited" and that the amendment shifts reporting from July 1 to Dec. 31. That amendment was adopted by the body.

A contentious debate centered on an amendment to accelerate rejoining the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). A proponent said rejoining would restore funds used for low-income energy-efficiency projects and flood preparedness, noting that "between 2021 and '23 this generated $827,000,000 for both of those two, for both, the flood fund and low income energy." Opponents warned of higher utility costs, with a member arguing, "It will cost you more money... This is a tax on your power bill." The Senate adopted the amendment package containing RGGI-related language by recorded votes on the amendments and ultimately passed HB29.

The session also included multiple technical amendments related to redistricting. Senators debated whether the amendments were purely administrative or reflected more substantive map changes after published reports alleged maps circulated with candidate names. One senator accused map-drawers of partisan engineering; other members said they had not seen maps with names and urged the body to focus on the technical precinct changes before them.

Sponsor and procedural motions were made on the floor by members identified in debate as the senator from Portsmouth (who moved committee recommendations and final passage), with recorded tallies announced by the clerk. The clerk recorded the final passage of House Bill 29 as Ayes 21, Noes 18.

The bill now moves forward consistent with the chamber's procedures; the oath and certificate for newly sworn members were referred to the Committee on Privileges and Elections earlier in the day. The Senate adjourned for the day after completing its calendar and will convene next at 10 a.m. on the following scheduled date.