HB 1655 Passes Senate as Amended

House Bill 1655, the bill requiring a court to award reasonable attorney fees, expenses, and court costs to any entity that prevails in an action challenging an ordinance, resolution, motion, or an administrative action that violates Virginia's preemption statute. The bill passed 33 - 6 as it was amended in committee. The committee amendment makes the award of attorney fees permissive instead of mandatory as it passed the House. The bill now goes back to the House to accept or reject the amendment.

Most Bills Passed By for Day in Senate

After a long recess to discuss the budget, the State Senate reconvened, took up the uncontested bills on Third Reading on the calendar then passed by for the day all of the contested bills. This means that HB1655 will have to wait until at least Thursday for a vote. HB 1655 is the bill putting teeth in Virginia's preemption statute by requiring the court to award attorney fees when a citizen challenges an ordinance or resolution that violates Virginia's firearms preemption statute.