Education, Marijuana, and Gun Bills Head to Virginia Senate

Crossover deadline passes, setting stage for further legislative action

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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The crossover deadline in the Virginia legislature has passed, meaning several key bills on education, marijuana legalization, and gun regulation are now moving to the State Senate for consideration. This includes a bill to review history and social science standards to better reflect the contributions of marginalized communities, a measure to create a retail marijuana market, and proposals to restrict assault firearms and enhance background checks for gun sales.

Why it matters

These bills represent major policy debates in Virginia around issues of education, criminal justice reform, and public safety. Their progress through the legislature will shape the future direction of the Commonwealth on these consequential topics.

The details

HB 614 would require state leaders to review and make recommendations about learning standards in history and social sciences classes to better incorporate the experiences and contributions of historically marginalized groups. HB 642 would create a retail marijuana market for recreational use in Virginia, joining about half the states that have legalized such sales. Meanwhile, HB 217 would restrict access to assault firearms, and HB 21 would mandate more stringent background checks for gun purchases, though HB 919 to tax gun and ammunition manufacturers was pushed off until next year.

  • The crossover deadline in the Virginia legislature passed on February 14, 2026.
  • HB 614, HB 642, HB 217, and HB 21 are now being considered by the State Senate.

The players

Sam Rasoul

Delegate and chief patron of HB 614, which would review history and social science standards in Virginia.

Tim Griffin

Delegate who expressed concerns that marijuana legalization could lead to increased addiction and availability.

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What they’re saying

“It just ensures that all marginalized communities are included in Virginia's history that we, in fact, tell our complete history as we move forward and take pride in that.”

— Sam Rasoul, Delegate (WSET)

“I think it's gonna allow young people to get more addicted to marijuana, it's gonna allow it to be on every street corner.”

— Tim Griffin, Delegate (WSET)

What’s next

The bills passed by the Virginia House of Delegates will now be considered by the State Senate. If approved by the Senate, they would then head to the Governor's desk for signature or veto.

The takeaway

The crossover of these education, marijuana, and gun bills to the Virginia Senate marks a pivotal moment in the legislative process, setting the stage for further debate and potential enactment of policies that could significantly impact the Commonwealth's approach to these high-profile issues.