Virginia House passes broad package of bills, including offshore wind workforce, iGaming and adult-use cannabis framework On March 4, 2026, the Virginia House of Delegates passed more than 100 bills on third reading, approving measures to direct offshore wind workforce training, authorize an iGaming framework, and create a regulated adult-use cannabis retail market, among other actions. Several firearms-related bills also advanced after extended floor debate.

The Virginia House just approved over 100 bills, paving the way for offshore wind workforce training, iGaming, and a regulated adult-use cannabis market!

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#VA #CivicAccountability #CitizenPortal #PublicSafety #VirginiaWorkforce #WorkforceDevelopment

Authority reviews legislative bills and workforce needs as offshore wind and transmission questions persist Authority members received briefings on bills including HB 67 and HB 1079, discussed workforce-training needs and R&D opportunities tied to offshore wind, and heard staff caution that pending PJM transmission studies and Dominion-related curtailment could reduce near-term generation and tax-credit eligibility.

Virginia's authority is taking a closer look at crucial legislation and workforce demands as offshore wind initiatives face new challenges—are we prepared for the future?

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#VA #SupplyChain #CitizenPortal #OffshoreWind #VirginiaWorkforce #WorkforceDevelopment

Senate panel backs substitute for bill easing casino-employment background checks The Senate General Laws and Technology Committee advanced a substitute for House Bill 218, a workforce measure that shortens the background "look-back" for casino gaming service permits to industry norms and directs the bill to finance after testimony from the bill patron and workforce witnesses.

Virginia's House Bill 218 is set to revolutionize casino employment by streamlining background checks and expanding opportunities for those with past convictions.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #CriminalReform #IndustryStandards #EmploymentOpportunities #VirginiaWorkforce

DHRM tells Senate panel state workforce steady but health‑plan costs climb, driven by GLP‑1 and specialty drugs Department of Human Resource Management officials told the subcommittee the Commonwealth has about 142,000 FTEs and a 12.8% turnover rate, and warned that pharmacy spending (notably GLP‑1 drugs and specialty biologics) has sharply increased and could push the Health Insurance Fund toward unsustainable levels without plan changes.

Virginia's workforce remains stable, but skyrocketing health plan costs driven by GLP-1 and specialty drugs could put the state’s insurance fund at risk.

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#VA #HealthCareCosts #CompensationModernization #CitizenPortal #EmployeeRetention #VirginiaWorkforce

Subcommittee advances substitute for HB 310 to require state reporting on AI workforce impacts A substitute to HB 310, sponsored by Delegate Delia Fagan, directs state agencies to report when deployed AI systems materially affect state jobs and to submit workforce transition plans; the subcommittee reported the substitute and referred it to appropriations for fiscal review.

Virginia is stepping up its game with new legislation ensuring transparency and planning as AI systems begin to reshape state jobs.

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#VA #VirginiaWorkforce #WorkforcePlanning #AITransparency #CitizenPortal #CivicAccountability

Subcommittee advances bill to speed and modernize casino employee permits HB 218 would set a 30 business‑day timeline for casino service permit decisions, allow applicants a narrative and character references, and narrow background checks to recent history; the subcommittee reported the bill 9–0 after supporters from workforce and casino employers testified.

Virginia's HB 218 aims to revolutionize the casino workforce by streamlining service permit processes and creating new job opportunities with dignity and respect.

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#VA #GamingIntegrity #VirginiaWorkforce #EmploymentOpportunities #CitizenPortal #WorkforceModernization

Committee Postpones Vote on HR 4312 Amid Opposition Letters Entered into Record Committee postpones vote on HR 4312 after receiving opposition letters from key organizations.

The U.S. House Committee on Education & the Workforce faces a critical moment as they postpone a vote on H.R. 4312, influenced by strong opposition from key organizations.

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#US #CitizenPortal #VirginiaWorkforce #StakeholderInput #EmploymentPractices #LegislativeTransparency

NOVA Community College highlights workforce program for displaced federal workers Committee discusses NOVA's innovative program aiding displaced federal workers with job skills.

Virginia's NOVA Next program is revolutionizing workforce development by empowering displaced federal employees with free classes and career workshops.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #JobTraining #VirginiaWorkforce #WorkforceTransitions #EconomicDevelopment

Virginia officials assess job outlook amid potential federal workforce reductions State monitors job losses and economic impacts from federal employment shifts in Virginia.

Virginia's economy hangs in the balance as federal job losses loom, with officials warning of potential impacts on thousands of positions and billions in revenue.

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#VA #CitizenPortal #EconomicStability #VirginiaWorkforce #JobOutlook #WorkforceDevelopment

Virginia women earn nearly $15K less than men Virginia's gender pay gap grew in 2023, with women earning 78.8% of men's median income — one of the widest disparities in the South.

OK, Women of Virginia: Make some noise! #virginia #paygap #virginiaeconomy #virginiaworkforce #voteblue www.axios.com/local/richmo...