It was a very long week for us in the Senate -- on Tuesday, we were in session for 13 hours and didn't wrap up until nearly 1am! It can be tiring some days, but we're glad to be doing good work for the Commonwealth.

I was honored to speak Saturday night at the "A Night for Scott" fundraiser for the McShin Foundation. The McShin Foundation is Virginia's leading non-profit recovery community organization for individuals struggling with opioid addiction. Together, we raised $50,000 to help people on the road to recovery.

Now that we've passed Crossover, I can say now that I've managed to pass a whopping 18 bills out of the Senate! These bills will still need to be passed in the House of Delegates and signed by the Governor, so they are not law yet, but we are well on our way. Some of my favorites that I've passed in the Senate this year include:

SB 377: This bill establishes a three-member fact-finding panel when a teacher is facing discipline or dismissal. This would ensure that teachers will be treated fairly and given due process when complaints are brought up against them.

SB 263: Currently, to get a concealed carry permit in Virginia, you only need to take a brief online course. My bill SB 263 will require in-person training for concealed carry permits to ensure that people are handling their guns safely.

SB 271: This bill would allow public institutions of higher learning to enter into a partnership with a private entity that generates wind or solar power in exchange for training programs for their students. This is a win-win for students who get workforce training, and the university, which uses the clean energy that they generate.

SB 745: This bill ensures that totally and permanently disabled veterans in Virginia, who are eligible for student loan forgiveness, are not taxed on those loans after the federal Tax Cuts & Jobs Act expires in 2026.

SB 345: This bill allows correctional officers and DMV officers to receive benefits if they contract an infectious disease at work. These officers work in dangerous environments and should go into work each day knowing that they will be taken care of if they get sick on the job.

SB 268: Gun owners rejoice — this bill would exempt gun safes from the Virginia sales tax! I hope this bill will make it a little bit more affordable to store our firearms safely.

It's almost Election Day again! In Virginia, we vote in the presidential primaries on Tuesday, March 3rd, also known as Super Tuesday. Loudoun County Public Schools and Prince William County Public Schools will both be closed on March 3rd. The last day to request an absentee ballot mailed to you is Tuesday, February 25th, and you can request it online here: https://vote.elections.virginia.gov/VoterInformation

FYI: Only the Democratic primary will be taking place on March 3rd. Virginia has open primaries, so any voter can vote in whichever primary they choose. The Republican party will be choosing their delegates at a state convention.

As always, feel free to reach out to my office anytime with any concerns or questions you may have. My office’s number in Richmond is (804) 698-7513 and our office's email address is [email protected].