Don't California the Commonwealth

The goal of Virginia Democrats is to turn the Commonwealth of Virginia into California. In the 2025 legislative session that began on January 8^th, Democrats filed radical bills reminiscent of California laws. Democrats want: to abolish gas powered vehicles; to prohibit carrying a gun in any public space; taxpayer funded universal preschool; a ban on plastic bags; abortion without restriction enshrined in the Constitution, and more. Republicans are fighting back.

Restoration News recently reported on a Virginia Democrat proposal that could be the largest tax hike in Virginia history. We've reviewed more disconcerting legislative proposals that would make Virginia's founding fathers turn over in their graves. Here are just a few of the Democrat bills and their radical sponsors.

HB 813—Del. Candi King—Adds language that prohibits a parent from access to a minor's medical records if that request could "deter the minor from seeking care." It also adds language that allows a minor to give informed consent for treatment of a mental or emotional disorder. This legislation could be used to keep parents out of the equation regarding harmful gender transitioning.

HB 1657—Del. Rozia Henson—Prohibits the removal of names from the voter registration system—even for illegal aliens—within 90 days of a federal election.

HB 1662—Del. Michael Jones—Prohibits grocery store sales or distribution of plastic carryout bags.

HB 1679—Del. Laura Cohen—Requires public school standardized tests be made available in the native language of the child. There are over 240 different languages spoken by students in Virginia schools—a very costly proposal.

HB 1681—Del. Laura Cohen— Requires all state agencies to include the option of "X" which means "unspecified or other gender identity" when requesting gender information.

HB 1958—Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker—Requires every public K-12 school to provide breakfast at no cost to the student.

HJ 1—Del. Charniele Herring—A Constitutional amendment for a fundamental right to an abortion. The bill would make it illegal to penalize or prosecute anyone for aiding or assisting a person to have an abortion—no matter the stage of the pregnancy. There are NO age restrictions or requirements for parental consent!

SB 740—Sen. Mamie Locke—The Board of Medicine must require all licensees to complete continuing education for every licensing period on unconscious bias and cultural competency, including training on how unconscious racial bias affects care during pregnancy and the postpartum period."

SB 743—Sen. Barbara Favola—This legislation would permit abortion doctors in Virginia to distribute abortion drugs in other states where it is illegal, and Virginia would not cooperate with extradition.

SB 880—Sen. Adam Ebbin—This sweeping anti-gun legislation would make it unlawful to carry nearly any shotgun or rifle in public unless it is being used while hunting.

SB 971—Sen. Aaron Rouse—Provides a tax credit for employers who hire felons (like murderers, rapists, and child predators) but no such credit for hiring the victims of felons. Rouse is also a candidate for Lt. Governor.

Democrats want to implement socialist laws in the state to assert more government control over the lives of Virginians. All members of the Virginia House of Delegates face re-election in November 2025. Currently Democrats only have a one seat majority in both the House and Senate. Republicans must shine a spotlight on the far-left radical policies of Virginia Democrats that threaten to turn the Commonwealth into California.

(Read more: Top Five States that Addressed Election Integrity in 2024)

Republicans Fight Back Against Radicalism

When Virginia Democrats had full control in 2021, they adopted laws and regulations that tied Virginia to California's emissions standards. New laws gave authority to the Virginia State Air Pollution Control Board to implement sweeping Democrat mandates that would outlaw gas powered vehicles—requiring all new vehicles sold to be electric by 2035.

The good news is Republicans were put in charge of Virginia's executive branch in 2022. Republican Attorney General Jason Miyares issued a legal opinion in June 2024 ruling that after 2024, Virginia no longer needed to comply with the Democrats' regulations since the California standards referenced in the law expire in 2024. California adopted even more stringent standards, but those are separate from what is referenced in the Virginia legislation—a technicality missed by Democrats. Miyares also cited the federal Clean Air Act which governs motor vehicle emission standards to protect auto manufacturers from being required to meet different standards in every state. A Republican Senator filed bill SB 806 for this year's legislative session to completely repeal the Democrats 2021 California emissions' legislation.

Abortion On Demand with No Parental Notification

The Democrats want to enshrine abortion without limitation in the Constitution—including no age restrictions or parental consent requirement. Republicans have exposed this radicalism by demanding the Speaker of the House conduct a legal review to determine whether the bill would permit partial birth infanticide. The proposed legislation would make Virginia's abortion laws among the most extreme in the nation.

Here are a few examples of Republican bills introduced this session:

HB 1809—Del. Delores Oates—Requires K-12 sports to be separated by biological sex.

HB 1862—Del. Rob Bloxom—Limits absentee voting in primary elections to 14 days prior.

HB 1891—Del. Jason Ballard—Requires the Department of Corrections, sheriffs, or others in charge to report illegal aliens to Immigration and Customs Enforcement prior to release.

HB 1910—Del. Hillary Kent—Prohibits public K-12 schools from using artificial dye in any food served as part of a school meal.

HB 1965—Del. Anne Ferrell Tata—Provides an income tax deduction on tips and overtime.

HB 931—Del. Christopher Head—Prohibits giving obscene materials to children in schools. Currently the law prohibits giving obscene materials to children except in schools.

HB 2183—Del. Nicholas Freitas—Requires healthcare professionals to provide lifesaving care to an infant born alive during an abortion.

HR 454—Del. Eric Zehr—Directs the House speaker to order a study of legal impacts of the abortion amendment.

There's a stark contrast between Democrats and Republicans. Democrats want to raise taxes, adopt socialist practices, and kill babies. Republicans want to reduce taxes, provide a safe environment for all, and protect the sanctity of life.

Follow the status of these bills during Virginia's 30-day legislative session through the Virginia State Legislative Information System.

(Read more: Virginia Could Fall Victim to Ranked Choice Voting—Thanks to Republicans)