Virginia

Voters to decide in November on Virginia constitutional reproductive rights amendment

Published

2 months ago

February 6, 2026

Voters to decide in November on Virginia constitutional reproductive rights amendment

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — Several constitutional amendments are now in the hands of voters in Virginia.

This comes after Governor Abigail Spanberger signed several amendment billon Friday – technically setting a ballot date for them.

One of them is tied to reproductive care in the Commonwealth.

The bill also includes protections for medical providers, aiming to prevent criminal penalties for doctors and clinics who offer certain kinds of reproductive health care.

Supporters describe it as a way to protect reproductive freedom here in Virginia. Opponents say it goes too far and believe it could expand abortion access.

SEE ALSO: Va. Democrats push 10-1 congressional map after judge deems amendment unconstitutional

If voters decide to pass the amendment, it would ensure protections remain in place in Virginia even if federal laws change.

On Friday, ABC13’s Jaida Simone spoke with Planned Parenthood about what they believe it will mean for women and families.

“The Virginia constitution does not recognize the right to reproductive healthcare, which means that politicians have the ability to restrict or ban certain reproductive healthcare. We’ve seen the consequences of this in states across the country,” said Jamie Lockhart, director of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Virginia.

Those against it say it’s unnecessary and blocks parents from guiding their children through life-altering decisions.

“Some of those terms are extremely broad. We’re talking about not only abortion, which is what most people think of, but also gender change surgeries for kids that would not necessarily require parental involvement,” said Victoria Cobb, president of the Family Foundation of Virginia.

The bill would prevent criminal penalties for doctors and clinics offering certain kinds of reproductive health care.

Voters will now have the final say on the amendment. It will be on the ballot in November.

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Virginia

Greensburg Central Catholic star Erica Gribble changes plans, follows coach from Richmond to Virginia of the ACC

Published

6 hours ago

April 14, 2026

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Greensburg Central Catholic star Erica Gribble changes plans, follows coach from Richmond to Virginia of the ACC

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Virginia

Virginia’s Spanberger Approves Workplace Heat Safety Standards

Published

18 hours ago

April 14, 2026

Press Room

Virginia’s Spanberger Approves Workplace Heat Safety Standards

Virginia will join a growing list of states with workplace heat safety standards that private-sector employers must follow under legislation approved by Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D).

The bill (SB 288) tasks the state’s Safety and Health Codes Board with creating standards for indoor and outdoor workplaces no later than May 1, 2028, adding Virginia to a handful of states that have dictated heat safety protocols in the absence of a federal standard.

The US Occupational Safety and Health Administration continued work on developing a national heat safety rule in 2025, but President Donald Trump’s deregulatory goals are likely to yield a more employer-friendly standard than those passed in Democratic-majority states.

Virginia employers will be required to provide water, access to shade, rest periods, acclimatization, and training for working in heat. High-heat procedures would take effect at a temperature threshold to be determined by the board in its rulemaking.

Deciding on an appropriate temperature threshold to trigger protections has been a notable challenge, both in state proposals and OSHA’s federal regulatory efforts.

California, Maryland, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington state have mandated workplace heat safety standards, while Colorado has imposed a standard specific to agriculture workers.

Virginia regulators previously considered a workplace heat safety proposal but halted the rulemaking process in late 2021, with some board members citing concerns it would conflict or be redundant with the federal regulation that they thought at the time would be implemented soon.

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Virginia

Bill signing aims to bolster horse racing industry in West Virginia

Published

1 day ago

April 13, 2026

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Bill signing aims to bolster horse racing industry in West Virginia

CHARLES TOWN, W.Va. (WCHS) — Gov. Patrick Morrisey signaled support for the horse racing industry in West Virginia through a bill signing Monday.

Senate Bill 1060 updates laws to include certified thoroughbred horses and raises a funding cap for restricted races from $1 million to $2 million.

The measure allows horses that have lived in West Virginia for six months to compete for larger purses. State leaders are hopeful the move will incentivize out-of-state horse owners to relocate to West Virginia.

In addition, the bill would allow licensed racing associations to transmit broadcasts of races with a portion of wagers going toward the West Virginia Thoroughbred Development Fund.

Changes will go into effect on June 7.

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Currently, horse races are held in West Virginia’s panhandles, at the Mountaineer Racetrack and Resort in New Cumberland and the Hollywood Casino in Charles Town.

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