This week, the House passed several bills, including HB 287, designating the sweet potato as the official state vegetable (yea). HB 922 raises capital expenditure thresholds for Certificate of Need (CON) requirements, easing regulations (did not vote). HB 1063 provides state employees with eight weeks of fully paid leave for primary caregivers and two weeks for secondary caregivers after the birth or adoption of a child. I am the co-author of this bill, and will continue to work this bill to add teachers to the language. These measures now move to the Senate for consideration.
On Thursday, the House observed a moment of silence to honor the 64 passengers who tragically lost their lives in the plane crash at Reagan National Airport.
Looking ahead, key legislative deadlines are approaching. Tuesday, February 4, marks the deadline for committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in their respective chambers. Thursday, February 13, is the final day for original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments introduced in their respective chambers.