General Assembly

• Virginia's 2026 General Assembly session ended Saturday without passing a state budget, prompting lawmakers to schedule a special session on April 23 amid ongoing affordability debates. • Key bipartisan achievements included raising the minimum wage to $15 per hour by 2028, protecting contraception access, extending back rent payment periods before eviction, closing the firearm 'boyfriend loophole,' and prohibiting federal immigration enforcement at courthouses. • Governor Abigail Spanberger faces complex bills on marijuana legalization, skill games, and casino regulations, potentially requiring stakeholder engagement through June; disagreements persist on data center tax exemptions and collective bargaining for public employees.

• Virginia lawmakers passed a bill legalizing recreational cannabis sales for adults 21+ from January 1, 2027, authorizing up to 350 retail stores by 2028. • The framework prioritizes licenses for residents from disproportionately policed areas, veterans, and distressed farmers, with a 6% state tax plus local add-ons up to 3.5%. • This aligns Virginia with eastern states' tax models, potentially generating revenue while promoting equity in licensing.