New domestic violence law passes in WV

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey has signed the Joanna Phillips Domestic Violence Prevention Act into law.

It is strengthening penalties and judicial oversight in domestic violence cases statewide.

The legislation follows the death of Joanna Phillips of Sissonville last December and aims to address concerns involving repeat domestic violence offenders.

Under the new law, courts must consider an offender’s domestic violence history when setting bail.

Judges can impose higher bonds on repeat offenders, and penalties are increased for strangulation-related offenses and repeat convictions.

State leaders say the measure is designed to improve victim safety and help prevent future tragedies across West Virginia.

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Governor and First Lady Youngkin celebrate official portrait

Governor and First Lady Youngkin celebrated the recent completion of the Governor’s official portrait.

The portrait was painted by Virginia artist Jonathan Linton.

Governor Youngkin’s portrait will be displayed on the third floor of the Virginia State Capitol in the Governor’s Gallery along with sixteen previous predecessors.

Part of the rotation of portraits, Governor Youngkin’s portrait will hang in the Governor’s Gallery for 60 years before being rotated out and placed at the Library of Virginia for permanent preservation. 

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Prince William Crisis Center celebrates ribbon cutting

Governor Youngkin reports along with state and local leaders were a part of the ribbon cutting of the Prince William County Crisis Receiving Center on October 9th as part of Right Help, Right Now.

Right Help, Right Now is a plan by Governor Youngkin ensuring Virginians get immediate help before, during and after a crisis.

This crisis center will provide walk-in services, rapid stabilization, peer support along with connections to long term treatment, this helps individuals in a crisis situation to get timely help and reducing burden on emergency rooms as well as supporting law enforcement.

This 11.9 million dollar project was supported by state, federal and local investments and was developed in partnership with Prince William County, Connections Health Solutions, and local service providers.

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Youngkin announces award for Virginia Permit Technology

Governor Youngkin announced Virginia Permit Transparency (VPT), an online tracking system for permit and license applications, has received the 2025 Commonwealth Technology Award for Innovative Use of Technology.

VPT allows Virginia citizens to log in to track permits and licences which brings a great level of transparency to this process.

VPT has become a model for similar innovations for other states as well as the federal government.

Since the launch of VPT in 2024 departments such as Virginia State Police, Department of Motor Vehicles, Department of Energy, Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services and Marine Resources Commission have cut processing time by 10% or more. 

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Youngkin’s Executive Order to enhance Election security

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced the issuing of Executive Order 53 which will further enhance the security of the security of Virginia Elections.

This order implements steps that will tighten voting system standards as well as ensuring cooperation between state and federal agencies ensuring the accuracy of Virginia voter rolls.

Executive Order 53 directs the Virginia Commissioner and Department of Elections to strengthen election security by working with multiple federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and U.S Election Assistance Commission.

Together these agencies will ensure that data is shared securely and ineligible voters are removed from rolls.

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Luray, Winchester, Mount Jackson, and Front Royal receive grants for improvements

Governor Youngkin announced grant money awarded for projected improvements across Virginia.

Luray, Winchester, Front Royal, and Mount Jackson will all receive a portion of over $5 million in funds to revitalize historic commercial districts.

The funds are to help transform vacant structures, expand small businesses and bolster local economies.

The funds are through the Virginia Department of housing and community development’s Virginia Main Street project.

Thirty projects across Virginia will share and benefit from the over $5 million to not only help with revitalization but help to create jobs as well.

Locally from largest grant to smallest Luray’s 15 Campbell Street project will receive $1 million of the funds.

Winchester’s Taylor Pavilion and Alleyway Restoration project will receive $75,000.

Mount Jackson’s Mj:5, the nest project, will also see $75,000.

Downtown Front Royal Inc. will receive $15,000 for historic Main Street Gateway signage.

Other localities to see funds include Harrisonburg, Farmville, Waynesboro, and Bristol Virginia.

Grant applications and additional information is available at the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development website here.

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General fund revenues exceed projections

Governor Glenn Youngkin announced yesterday that general fund revenues increased 12.4% for the month of September versus the same period last year and are 9.9% ahead of the first three months of the prior fiscal year.

Compared to the Fiscal Year 2025 forecast, revenues have exceeded projections by $395.8 million for September and are ahead of year-to-date-projections by $601.4 million.

Governor Youngkin said, “The positive trend is fueled by our consistently strong labor market and business investment.”

Secretary of Finance Stephen Cumming added “We are tracking ahead of the official forecast, which assumed a mild recession in the calendar year 2024… We will continue our prudent revenue forecasting process as we develop the Governor’s proposed budget in December.”

A link to the full September 2024 revenue report is available here.

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Governor takes final action on bills

Governor Glenn Youngkin took final action on legislation returned to his desk after the General Assembly rejected his proposed amendments.

The governor signed seven bills into law and vetoed 48. The signed bills included:

  • SB 498 – School-connected overdose policies, guidelines, parental notification and response: The Virginia Senate accepted the Governor’s recommendation, which returned the bill to its stronger original version. The House of Delegates rejected it. The bill allows the Board of Education to establish guidelines. Youngkin said that work will begin immediately. In addition, Executive Order 28, which establishes a 24-hour parental notification standard for all school-connected overdoses, remains in effect.
  • HB 707 & SB 361- Consumer Data Protection Act, protections for children: The Governor’s recommendation would have expanded protections for children from harmful social media practices online to minors over the age of 13 from protection, but Youngkin said he could sign the bill as the Administration works with the legislature and stakeholders to further strengthen these protections next session.
  • HB 1055- Membership of the Eastern VA Health Sciences Center at Old Dominion University board of directors: The Governor’s recommendation strengthened the ability of the General Assembly and the executive branch to oversee the new board established by the forthcoming merger of Eastern Virginia Medical School and Old Dominion University.
  • SB 142- Public school teacher licensing and issuance of a one-year local eligibility license: Youngkin said that while legislative changes will be necessary next session to make it more effective, the bill as it currently stands will improve the ability to hire teachers.
  • HB 214- Common interest communities: This bill was sent to the Governor’s desk in the “7-day” bill window during the 2024 Regular Session. Youngkin said additional review was needed and the relevant agencies have been consulted.
  • HB 1071- Reduction of speed limits; local authority: Youngkin said additional work will need to be done on this policy.

A complete list of the legislation is available at the governor’s website, governor.virginia.gov.

Blackhawks help fight forest fires

West Virginia state seal. Used by written permission by Chief Deputy and Chief of Staff of West Virginia Chuck Flannery

Two West Virginia National Guard Blackhawk helicopters have been sent to Hardy County to help fight a 4000-acre wildfire near Wardensville, West Virginia and the Virginia State Line.

Governor Jim Justice declared a State of Emergency for several counties, leading to the deployment of helicopters.

Each helicopter can carry 630 gallons of water over the dangerous terrain.

The aircraft and personnel arrived from Wheeling and Parkersburg and are experienced in battling wildfires.

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Gov. Youngkin Designates Virginia State Pony

RICHMOND, VA – Surrounded by hundreds of visitors, locals, and dozens of ponies, Governor Glenn Youngkin and First Lady Suzanne S. Youngkin joined legislators, local leaders, first responders and Cabinet Secretaries as the Governor signed HB 1951 and SB 1478, to designate the Chincoteague Pony as the Official State Pony of the Commonwealth of Virginia at the 98th Annual Chincoteague Fireman’s Carnival.

“For 98 years, Chincoteague ponies has been a tradition of this community. Every July, over 47,000 people – from across the Commonwealth, the United States, and yes, the world, come travel to Chincoteague,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “This little horse uplifts a huge portion of the eastern shore and provides valuable tourism for residents every single year. They represent the Virginia spirit and we can now proudly say that they are the Pony of Virginia.”

The Chincoteague pony holds a special place in Virginia history. These hardy and resilient ponies have roamed the marshes and beaches of Chincoteague Island for centuries and have become a permanent fixture of the region’s character. Their fascinating history can be traced back to the early colonial era when they were believed to have descended from shipwrecked Spanish horses.

One of the more anticipated events surrounding the Chincoteague ponies is the annual pony swim, a tradition that dates back to the 18th century. Each year, the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company conducts the legendary pony swim, where a group of ponies is herded from Assateague Island to Chincoteague Island, captivating spectators with its timeless beauty and cultural significance.

Through the passage of this legislation, the Commonwealth of Virginia recognizes the historical and cultural significance of the Chincoteague pony, safeguarding their legacy for future generations. This momentous step demonstrates the commitment of Governor Youngkin and the state legislature in preserving Virginia’s natural wonders.

Governor Youngkin’s July 27 press release is here.

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