Affordability, Flock cameras and data centers top priorities for 2027 Virginia General Assembly session

RICHMOND, Va. (WWBT) - All things affordability will be part of the agenda heading into the 2027 Virginia General Assembly session.

“Everybody is dealing with higher electric bills and higher grocery bills and fuel costs are up and so we’ve got to do things to address that at the state level where we can,” said State Sen. Glen Sturtevant, (R) 12th District.

But republicans and democrats have different ways to achieve that goal.

And you will see that play out over the 45-day short session.

“Things have not gotten better at the grocery store, the gas pump or anywhere else,” said Del. Rodney Willett, (D) 58th District.

State democrats are already hard at work already drafting legislation to be taken up.

You can expect bills to reduce housing costs and increase supply.

They also want to tackle Medicaid issues and of course rising energy costs.

But Delegate Rodney Willett says he’ll also tackle nursing home regulations from staffing to conditions.

“As we speak we are working on one or more bills that will come out of that related to nursing home regulations. The industry wants support there. They understand we have to have that,” said Del. Willett.

State republicans says you can expect bipartisan support over banning Flock cameras across Virginia.

And they will work on repealing the grocery tax and car tax, capping property taxes, and pushing for new rules for voter identification.

“And it really comes down to whether or not the governor and leadership in the general assembly, in the house and senate, are going to be willing to implement these real reforms,” said State Sen. Sturtevant.

The governor will present a budget update December 17. That will set the scene for state finances before lawmakers get to work.