2023 Virginia Legislative Update Call to Order
By: Tiago D. Bezerra
The Virginia General Assembly gaveled into session on Wednesday, January 11, 2023. This year, in accordance with House Joint Resolution 471, the General Assembly will remain at work for forty-five days – a so-called thirty-day “short session” extended by legislative agreement for an additional fifteen days – when it is set to adjourn sine die on February 25, 2023.
For at least one more session, the Virginia General Assembly convened featuring divided party control between the Republican-controlled House of Delegates and the Democrat-controlled Senate. While the executive branch remains held firmly by Republican officials for at least three more years, the entire General Assembly will be up for re-election this upcoming November 2023. Suffice it to say, Politics as Usual is expected in Richmond this session.
As is the case each year, we are taking stock of various legislative initiatives being introduced that, if adopted, may impact community associations at varying levels. The focus of legislators changes every year, and this year is proving to follow that trend. From bills proposing changes to resale disclosure requirements, impediments to foreclosures, elimination of nomination committees, and revisions to rule enforcement provisions – to name a few – this legislative session, albeit short, is expected to raise some interesting issues for legislators to consider. The good news is that reserves are not in the offing…at least until next year!
Given that these bills are simply that – just bills – we will not provide a complete analysis of everything being considered. In fact, it is very likely that by the time you read this report, some of the bills will already be “dead.” There is no need to fret, however, as the attorneys at Chadwick Washington will remain front-and-center as the Sausage Gets Made in Richmond, ready to provide its clients, business partners, and interested parties with a full report and recommendations for how to navigate the results of the 2023 legislative session, come what may.
To that end, CWMEB will prepare its annual report shortly after the General Assembly adjourns at the end of February. Until then, keep on keeping on and don’t lose any sleep on this stuff…yet!