General Assembly of Virginia

General Assembly of Virginia
Name	General Assembly
Legislature	Virginia General Assembly
House type	Bicameral
Houses	Virginia Senate, Virginia House of Delegates
Leader1 type	President of the Senate
Leader1	Winsome Sears
Party1	(R)
Election1	2022
Leader2 type	Speaker of the House
Leader2	Don Scott
Party2	(D)
Election2	2024
Members	140, 40 senators, 100 delegates
House1	Senate
House2	House of Delegates
Meeting place	Virginia State Capitol, Richmond
Website	virginiageneralassembly.gov

General Assembly of Virginia. It is the oldest continuous law-making body in the Western Hemisphere, tracing its origins to the first colonial assembly at Jamestown in 1619. As the state legislature of the Commonwealth of Virginia, it is a bicameral body consisting of the Virginia Senate and the Virginia House of Delegates. The assembly convenes annually at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond to enact state laws, approve the budget, and confirm gubernatorial appointments.

History

The assembly's first meeting, the House of Burgesses, was convened by Governor George Yeardley in 1619 at the Jamestown Church. Key early figures included John Pory and John Harvey. It functioned under the London Company until Virginia became a Royal colony in 1624. During the American Revolution, the assembly, with members like Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson, adopted the Virginia Declaration of Rights and instructed its delegates to the Continental Congress to propose independence. It became the first state legislature to ratify the Articles of Confederation and later the United States Constitution at the Virginia Ratifying Convention. Throughout the 19th century, it was central to debates over slavery, states' rights, and secession, with prominent members including John Tyler and Robert M. T. Hunter. The Reconstruction era saw the adoption of the Underwood Constitution. The 20th century was dominated by the Byrd Organization led by Harry F. Byrd.

Structure and powers

The legislature is composed of 40 members of the Virginia Senate and 100 members of the Virginia House of Delegates. Senators serve four-year terms, while delegates serve two-year terms. Leadership includes the Lieutenant Governor of Virginia, who serves as President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates. Its constitutional powers, derived from the Constitution of Virginia, include enacting all state laws, levying taxes, crafting the state budget, and confirming appointments by the Governor of Virginia. It also holds the power to impeach state officials and propose constitutional amendments. The assembly exercises oversight over state agencies and the Virginia Supreme Court through its committee system.

Legislative process

Bills may be introduced in either chamber, except revenue bills which must originate in the Virginia House of Delegates. Each bill is assigned to a standing committee, such as the Senate Finance Committee or House Appropriations Committee, for review and possible amendment. It must pass three readings in each chamber. If versions differ, a Conference committee with members from both houses reconciles them. The final bill is sent to the Governor of Virginia, who may sign it, veto it, or offer amendments. The assembly may override a veto with a two-thirds vote in each chamber. The process is governed by rules set in the Virginia Constitution and each chamber's manual.

Current session and membership

Following the 2023 elections, the Democratic Party holds a majority in both chambers, ending a period of divided government. The President of the Senate is Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears, a Republican. The Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates is Don Scott, a Democrat. Key committee chairs include Louise Lucas on the Senate Finance Committee and Luke Torian on the House Appropriations Committee. The current session is addressing priorities such as education funding, Chesapeake Bay cleanup, and modifications to the Virginia Clean Economy Act.

Capitol and facilities

The assembly has met at the Virginia State Capitol in Richmond since 1788. Designed by Thomas Jefferson and Charles-Louis Clérisseau, the Capitol is a National Historic Landmark. The building houses the historic chambers of the Virginia Senate and Virginia House of Delegates. Legislative office work is conducted in the adjacent General Assembly Building, completed in 2023. The Virginia State Library and the Library of Virginia serve as crucial research resources for members. The Capitol Square also contains the Old City Hall and the Virginia Washington Monument.

Notable legislation

Throughout its history, the assembly has enacted landmark laws. Early acts included the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom, drafted by Thomas Jefferson. In the 20th century, it passed the Virginia Sterilization Act of 1924, which was upheld in Buck v. Bell. The era of Massive resistance included laws like the Stanley Plan to oppose Brown v. Board of Education. More recent significant legislation includes the Chesapeake Bay Preservation Act, the Virginia Clean Economy Act, and the 2020 ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment. It also played a key role in establishing the foundational laws for the University of Virginia and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Category:Virginia General Assembly Category:State legislatures of the United States Category:Government of Virginia