| As I mentioned in my last update, lowering electric bills is one of my top priorities this session. One of the final bills to be acted on is a bill I am chief co-sponsoring with Senator Mark Peake that will provide the most significant rate relief for Appalachian Power customers in years. The bill:
increases SCC oversight of APCo. The State Corporation Commission is the entity responsible for reviewing and approving utility rate cases blocks rates increases for the next year simplifies electric bills so that customers have a better understanding of what they’re being charged and why protects customers from rate shock in winter months; and creates a mechanism for protecting monthly bills from the cost of storm repairs and generation facilities The Committee on Commerce and Labor voted to advance the bill this afternoon and it will be before the Senate for a floor vote tomorrow. A separate bill I sponsored with Senator Travis Hackworth to introduce a competitive marketplace in which localities can aggregate customers and select a lower cost electric provider was referred to the Commission on Electric Utility Regulation for further review after this year’s legislative session. Two other bills I sponsored passed the Senate last week. This includes:
SB1361, which will make it illegal to sell or distribute devices containing nitrous oxide to anyone under the age of 18. Commonly known as "laughing gas," nitrous oxide is a gas used in medical, culinary and industrial applications, but its recreational misuse through certain devices has become a growing concern, particularly among minors.These devices are readily available online and in stores. They are often sold in bulk with minimal regulation, making them highly accessible to young people. In response to a fire on the blighted property of the abandoned Virginia Interment College campus in Bristol, I filed SB1476. This is an attempt to provide a process by which local governments can pursue a remedy to mitigate risks posed by derelict property. The bill would apply when the following conditions are met: the property has been vacant for 5 years; the property has been declared blighted pursuant to existing code; and the property has a tax levied against it by the locality. When those conditions are met, the locality may petition the circuit court to appoint a special commissioner to convey the property. Both sides have the opportunity to present arguments and evidence following notice and service of process. Democrats rammed through 10 bad gun bills, all aimed at restricting the freedoms of law-abiding citizens and stripping the protections of the Second Amendment. This is the most blatant example of Virginia Democrats putting criminals over law-abiding citizens, and politics over people. I fought each and every one of these terrible bills and I will always stand up for the rights of law-abiding gun owners. SB880: Prohibits carrying certain semi-automatic firearms in public areas, expanding existing restrictions. SB1134: Requires firearms to be stored in locked containers if a minor or prohibited person is present in the residence. SB886: Defines 'trigger activator' and establishes associated penalties. SB1182: Limits exemptions for carrying firearms on public institution properties and allows governing boards to create stricter policies. SB1181: Prohibits the purchase and possession of assault firearms and associated ammunition feeding devices. SB1329: Alters concealed carry laws, removing exceptions for personal vehicles. SB848: Prohibits those under 21 from purchasing assault firearms, with limited exceptions. SB881: Bans the manufacture and possession of undetectable firearms and unserialized gun parts. SB891: Introduces a five-day waiting period for firearm purchases. SB1110: Prohibits weapon possession in mental health service hospitals. |
