We just closed out our penultimate week of the 2024 Legislative Session! It was a busy week so I am excited to update you on my legislation, some session lingo, staff spotlights and what I have been doing in and around the GAB!
The General Assembly is buzzing with activity as we approach the final week of session and Sine Die!
Several bills that I proposed have been passed by the General Assembly and are now headed to Governor Youngkin’s desk (with more in the pipeline). The Governor will have three options: to sign, amend, or veto the legislation. If the Governor vetoes a bill, it will return to the General Assembly for a reconvened session in April. This session is held for the purpose of considering bills that have been returned by the Governor with recommendations for their amendment, as well as bills and items of the budget.
One of my bills, HB 102, is heading to Conference to be reconciled. You may be wondering, what is Conference? In the event that the House amends a Senate bill, or the Senate amends a House bill, and the house of origin disagrees with the amendment, a conference committee is formed to resolve differences.
In the case of HB 102, which has a Senate equivalent (SB 356) myself and legislators from each Chamber will meet to work out differences and, hopefully, be able to present and pass a bill where all parties are in agreement! The main difference between the two is that the House version has been funded much more robustly to increase pay for court-appointed attorneys who represent indigent clients and our Constitutional rights — the first raise in over 20 years!
Session Lingo: Sine Die
“Sine Die” is the term used to describe the final adjournment of the legislative session. It’s a Latin phrase that means “without a day”. This adjournment happens when the General Assembly intends to leave town for the last time in a year, without specifying a date to reconvene.
This year, Sine Die is scheduled for Saturday, March 9th, 2024. All legislation must be passed through both chambers and sent to the Governor’s desk before this date, or it will be unable to become a Virginia law this year.
Staff Spotlights
I wanted to share with you the amazing people who have supported me in my office during this Session.
I feel incredibly fortunate to have an excellent staff who have diligently managed constituent correspondence, tracked bills, monitored committee meetings, and ensured that I am always doing my best work!
Meet our Session Aide, Kate!
1. What song would you describe as your song for this session?
Fool’s Gold by Lucy Dacus
2. The biggest takeaway from this internship?
The support I need is there, I just need to ask for it.
3. Favorite bill Delegate Reaser was carrying this year?
Anti-Hazing Education! I loved doing all the research for the bill and being able to cross-reference with Senator Boysko.
4. Favorite bill in all of session?
Del. Hope’s State Pollinator bill, it amused me 
5. Quote you live by?
“Now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” -John Steinbeck
Meet our intern, Synclair!
1. What song would you describe as your song for this session?
I like anything on the new James Arthur Album because I listened to it on repeat while I was working.
2. The biggest takeaway from this internship?
The connections I made, the people I met, and the lessons I’ve learned!
3. Favorite bill Delegate Reaser was carrying this year?
HB102- Court-appointed counsel because I feel like it relates the most to my field of interest and I think it is a great bill and will benefit a lot of people in the long run.
4. Favorite bill in all of session?
HB1- the minimum wage bill because VA workers deserve to get PAID!
5. Quote you live by?
“We’re not here for a long time; we’re here for a good time.”
Conversations in the GAB
During the last few weeks of the session, visits in the GAB tend to slow down, but I still had the chance to connect with many people.
I was privileged to visit the Oakes Family, who came to the Capitol to watch the passage of my bill, HB 719 (Hazing Prevention Instruction). Additionally, I had the pleasure of chatting with Miss Virginia, and it was great to learn about the work she is doing around our Commonwealth. My team and I had a fantastic time at the House vs. Senate Capitol Square Basketball Classic on Thursday, February 29th. The House team remained undefeated for the eighth year in a row, winning with a score of 14-12. I am proud that we were able to raise over $100,000 for cancer treatment and research.
ICYMI In the News
Delegate Atoosa Reaser Provides Comments on House of Delegates Budget
Court-appointed attorneys could see a major pay cap raise
Want to Connect?
I want to hear from YOU!
If you want to bring an issue to my attention, need our assistance, or invite me to an event, please reach out here: https://atoosareaser.com/help!
Find yourself in Richmond? Come stop by!
If you are interested in seeing how the session is going and would like to visit us in person at our office in the General Assembly Building, we would be more than happy to have you. Please reach out to my Chief of Staff, Caleigh Lynch, at caleigh@atoosareaser.com so we can reserve a time for you.
I am grateful for your ongoing support and feel privileged to be your representative in Richmond!
Yours in Service,
Atoosa Reaser
Delegate, HD-27
