This year in the Virginia General Assembly, the legislature will approve a two-year budget and send it to the governor for approval. The legislature will also make changes to the budget that remains in effect through June 30, 2024. Here’s where we are in that process:
In December, Governor Younkin submitted a proposed two-year budget to the legislature. These became known as HB 30 and SB 30. The governor also suggested changes to the budget that will expire in June 2024. Those proposals are HB 29 and SB 29.
During the session, various members have submitted and argued for amendments to the proposals that were first offered by the Governor. The amendments have been considered by different subcommittees of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance committees, and those that were approved now are being packaged together by the full committees.
On Sunday, February 18, the two committees will announce their proposed budget amendments for the budget that is currently in place and that one that will end in June.
Next week, the full House and the full Senate will debate those recommendations and will vote on the packages of amendments by Thursday, February 22.
Once each side votes on its version of the budget, it then goes to the other side. Typically, each will reject the other’s proposal, and the two sides will form what is called a committee of conference, which will then develop a joint budget proposal before the end of the session. The session is expected to end on March 9, 2024.
We will have more information for you about the budgets after the committee announcements on Sunday.
The disAbility Law Center of Virginia seeks to advance the rights of people with disabilities in Virginia. We are available to educate policymakers about the potential impact of legislative proposals and budgetary considerations. Please let us know of any legislative proposals or budget issues that you think we should be following. Contact us at ga@dlcv.org or info@dlcv.org or by calling 1-800-552-3962 or 1-804-225-2042.