Wednesday, February 18, marks the halfway point of the 2026 session of the Virginia General Assembly.
By the time you read this, most of the bills introduced this session will have been voted on in their chamber of origin. I want to update you on the legislation on which you have been working.
Victories: Dangerous Bills Defeated
I am grateful to report that three very dangerous bills have died in their respective committees!
HB863 – Elimination of mandatory minimum sentencing – Died
SB359/HB886 – Allowed for prescription suicide drugs – Died
HB359 – Imposed public education standards on private schools – Died
Disappointments: Good Bills That Did Not Advance
Unfortunately, several very good bills we supported also died in committee.
HB1242 – Prohibiting boys from participating in girls’ sports – Died
SB563 – Opting students out of “transgender” affirming content – Died
HB531 – Life-saving care for infants who survive abortion attempts – Died
HB532 – Informing parents of “gender transition” in schools – Died
HB1428 – Establishing a website with life-affirming resources – Died
HB1419 – Requiring ballot questions to be understandable – Died
SB661 – Expansion of Slot Machines
One bill still requiring our attention is SB661.
This legislation would allow slot machines in Virginia. It has passed a Senate committee, passed the full Senate, and has “crossed over” to the House. Polling shows that 67% of Virginians oppose these machines.
These machines are often concentrated in lower-income communities where families may already be facing financial hardship. While participation is voluntary, the resulting losses can place a disproportionate burden on those who can least afford it. Additionally, the bill places no limit on the number of machines a business may operate.
Please continue to pray against this bill. We will provide updates as soon as a House committee assignment is announced.
In the meantime, please join us in prayer:
Dear Merciful and Gracious Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the legislative victories we have seen so far this year. We pray that You will reach Virginia prisoners as they serve their sentences, comfort those considering suicide, and continue to protect our school children.
We know You care more about the vulnerable in our state than we do, and we trust You to watch out for them. Please protect our children from the evil lies regarding gender confusion and abortion on demand. Please help them to love themselves as You love them.
We ask for wisdom and endurance for our lawmakers, Prayer/Action Chapter Leaders, and the CWA of Virginia legislative team as we finish out this session. Please have mercy on us, Father, and on our state. We ask these things in the name of Jesus, Your Son and our Savior, Amen.
