On Tuesday, February 17, the General Assembly concluded the first half of its work for the session. This milestone is called Crossover Day.  

What is Crossover?   

Crossover is when bills introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates move to the Senate, and vice-versa. By this point, of the almost 3000 bills introduced, we now know which ones have a fighting chance – and it’s time to finish strong. 

What are some bills that the City is continuing to support?   

School Crossing Zones. Senator Jones’ SB221 would allow localities to pass ordinances that lengthen school crossing zone times from 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Pedestrian safety is a huge priority in Richmond. In alignment with the Vision Zero initiative, the City has taken an active role in supporting this bill, and we're grateful Senator Jones is leading the effort.

Affordable Housing Incentives. More tools for localities to incentivize and realize affordable housing will move Mayor Avula’s plan for housing affordability forward and make a huge difference for Richmonders. Delegate Cousins’ HB867 and Senator McPike’s SB74 would allow the City to take common-sense measures to incentivize the inclusion of affordable housing in new development. Delegate Carr's HB806 gives Economic Development Authorities more tools to expand affordable housing. Already, Richmond’s EDA has helped support 2,900 new affordable housing units for Richmonders in four years. HB806 can keep the momentum going and help accelerate. 

Eviction Prevention. As of November 2025, Richmond’s eviction rates stood at 24%, nearly double the Virginia eviction rate of 13%. The expansion of the Eviction Reduction Program under HB527/SB628 would increase access much-needed eviction prevention services including legal resources, education on tenant rights, and short-term financial assistance, and in later stages, taking measures to divert or avoid eviction court proceedings.   

School Funding. To set our kids up for a bright future, they need to learn in schools that are safe and functional. HB334 would give our voters a new opportunity to fund school modernization. The GA is also looking to ramp up its investment in K-12 education, providing more funding for services and programs that RPS kids especially need. 

Safe Gun Storage. 472 firearms were stolen out of cars in the City of Richmond in 2025, many of which were later used in the commission of a crime. HB110 / SB496 require safe storage of guns in vehicles. They are common sense measures to prevent gun violence in our communities. 

Budget amendments for our infrastructure. Delegate Carr and Senator Jones are carrying important budget amendments to keep Richmond’s water infrastructure in working order. 283 #2h and 283 #3s would update Richmond’s Water Treatment Plant without increasing costs for ratepayers around the region. And our long-term commitment to addressing the Combined Sewer Overflow system is on track to be fulfilled if we receive funding from the state under budget amendments 368 #11h and 368 #2s. 

What happens if the Senate and the House pass versions of bills that look similar but not identical?  

Often, bills are introduced in both the Senate and the House to give both legislative bodies a chance to review and pass the legislation. This can result in similar bills (which are actually called cognates). If cognates end up in wildly different forms during session, they go to a conference committee toward the end of session to compromise on a final product.   

What’s next?   

The General Assembly session comes to a close on March 14. Until then, and through the hard work of budgeting for and passing this state legislation, Richmond’s Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and lobbying team will continue to work with stakeholders and legislators to push legislation and budget amendments in line with the City’s vision of affordable housing, safe streets, and thriving public schools.