THE 2020 VIRGINIA GENERAL ASSEMBLY convenes for a 60-day session on Jan. 8 with the Democratic Party holding control of the State Senate, the House of Delegates and the Governor’s mansion for the first time since 1993.

One impact of this historic changing of the guard in Richmond is that the Realtors® will be explaining real estate issues to newly elected legislators and new members of key committees, including the General Laws Committee, where most of the real estate related legislation is sent.

The continued push to authorize association health plans for sole proprietors and independent contractors is a priority. This legislation, co-patroned with bipartisan support from Senator George Barker (D) and Senator Siobhan Dunnavant (R) will allow an association like the Virginia Realtors® to negotiate health insurance plans for its members on the large group market. NVAR and Virginia Realtors® lobbyists have been meeting with members of the General Assembly throughout the summer and fall to discuss this legislation and other key issues in preparation for the session.

While NVAR does have a full-time Government Affairs lobbyist on the ground in the State Capitol, Realtors®, too, have an important role. As the experts on real estate issues, your communications with elected officials are critical.

View the 2020 Virginia Realtors® Legislative Agenda

Josh Veverka is the NVAR government affairs director.