What is Kratom?

This month I want to talk about an incredibly important bill that slid underneath the radar all session long.

Virginia’s part time General Assembly session meets for 60 days in even numbered years and 45 days in odd years, which is when most of the activity happens during 12-14 hours days. So, January columns and February columns are easy to write. And March is always going to be the wrap up column, and in April we meet in Richmond again for Reconvene Session to vote on the Governor’s amendments and vetoes. 

In June, I usually tell you about the laws that go into effect on July 1^st- and in July we get to all the laws that I couldn’t get to in June.

May is a tougher column to write. This year was remarkably busy as the General Assembly sent a huge number of bills back to the Governor without adopting her amendments. That means this week is her deadline to decide whether to allow those bills to become law as they passed the General Assembly or to veto them so we can work on making them more to her liking next year.

But that process isn’t done yet. Next month I’ll write about collective bargaining, class action law suits, the adult use marijuana marketplace, the assault weapons ban and several other high profile issues that will be decided by then.

This month I want to talk Kratom.

Until this session I didn’t know what it was. I’d seen it in neon letters as gas stations and vape shops, and figured it was some kind of intoxicant, but other than that I had no idea what it was.

I didn’t know that earlier this year, UVA Health’s Blue Ridge Poison Center published a major national study showing a staggering 1,200% increase in kratom-related poison control calls over the last decade. Researchers documented cases involving seizures, respiratory distress, addiction, and dangerous interactions with other substances, particularly among younger users and people unaware of product potency or contamination risks.

Kratom is a plant-derived substance often sold as a supplement for pain relief, energy, mood enhancement, or anxiety. But unlike regulated pharmaceuticals, these products are frequently sold with inconsistent labeling, uncertain potency, and little meaningful oversight. At the same time, many users argue kratom has helped them manage chronic pain or reduce dependence on opioids.

During the 2026 Session, the General Assembly adopted new laws regulating the sale of kratom products sold in Virginia.

We placed age restrictions, labeling requirements, testing standards, and penalties for adulterated or dangerously concentrated products. Virginia law will now prohibit the sale of kratom products to minors and create new consumer safety standards designed to prevent contaminated or misleadingly marketed products from reaching store shelves.

This week, renewed national attention has followed the tragic death of former San José State basketball player and Memphis Grizzlies veteran Brandon Clarke, prompting many Americans to ask a familiar question: if these products are widely available in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores, what protections are actually in place?

As a legislator I was asked, “What’s Virginia doing about this? You need to do something.”

Fortunately, in this case, I was able to answer that we had done something. Having chaired the subcommittee where this bill was first considered, we heard arguments for an outright ban and we also heard arguments that the problem isn’t in the product itself. Issues ranged from how it’s marketed, how kratom derivatives are distilled into more potent forms, and in the absolute absence of any regulation of its packaging, access to minors, and disclosure of ingredients, and potency.

Is the bill we passed this year the final answer on this issue? Probably not. It’s certainly a step in the right direction and we can come back to revisit the issue if we find the rules we wrote this session don’t address the underlying problem or are so burdensome they have unintended consequences for legitimate uses.

I want to give a big tip of the hat to my colleague Delegate Joshua Cole of Fredericksburg for his leadership on this bill, and his willingness to stick to his guns when manufacturers and purveyors of Kratom asked him to slow down and water down his legislation.

I know it feels like we are always chasing the next problem and that government is always hopelessly behind the curve, but in this case our General Assembly and our Governor have shown some leadership and are working to tackle this problem before it gets too big.

Three Big Bills

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act. 

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth. 

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process. 

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review. 

Hearing from Constituents 

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives. 

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth. 

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections. 

What Happens Next 

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them. 

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes. 

Budget Negotiations Continue 

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment. 

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget. 

April 21st Special Election on Redistricting 

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st. 

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum. 

2026 Sine Die

When the General Assembly adjourned sine die on Saturday, it marked the end of a long session and, for me, the culmination of several multi-year legislative efforts finally reaching the Governor’s desk. After years of work, debate, and refinement, I was able to pass three significant bills I expect the Governor to sign: legislation abolishing the antiquated common law crime of suicide, a bill banning untraceable “ghost guns” in Virginia, and a measure allowing Virginia’s state courts to hear class-action lawsuits. This last bill brings us into line with every other state in the nation and leaving Mississippi as the lone state without a state-level class action remedy. I also had some success with new ideas on their first try, including legislation that will protect consumers by making Virginia the first in the country to enact the Uniform Default Judgments Act.

Much of the work of the General Assembly happens far from the spotlight of the House Floor. This year I had the privilege of chairing the House Public Safety Committee, the Housing and Consumer Protection Subcommittee, and the Civil Law Subcommittee, roles that put me in the middle of many of the most consequential debates of the session. In the session’s final days, I also served on 26 committees of conference, where House and Senate conferees hammer out the compromises needed to move legislation across the finish line. Those long negotiations are where many of the session’s final agreements are reached, and I was proud to help shape the final versions of bills that will soon become law across the Commonwealth.

Long sessions always move quickly once they begin, but they are the product of months of preparation and years of ongoing work in our communities. When the gavel finally falls on the last day, there is always a mix of emotions: relief at completing the long session, pride in the work we accomplished together and a deep appreciation for the many Virginians who took the time to share their voices throughout the process.

When the final tally is complete, we will have considered 2,366 bills, 1,089 of which passed the House and the Senate and are now with the Governor for her review.

Hearing from Constituents

One of the most important parts of serving in the General Assembly is hearing directly from the people I represent. Throughout the session, my office received a steady stream of emails, calls, and conversations from constituents sharing their perspectives.

Many constituents wrote about the importance of protecting our democratic institutions, ensuring free and fair elections, and maintaining transparency in government. Others shared thoughtful concerns about emerging technologies and many weighed in on issues related to the state budget, taxation, and the long-term fiscal health of the Commonwealth.

Public safety and community wellbeing were frequent topics as well, including discussions around criminal justice policy and the role of state and local law enforcement. And as technology and entertainment continue to evolve, some constituents reached out about proposals related to gambling policy, raising questions about both economic opportunity and consumer protections.

What Happens Next

The Governor has until midnight on April 13th to review the legislation passed by the General Assembly. During that time, she may choose to sign bills into law, recommend amendments, or veto them.

On April 22nd, the General Assembly will return to Richmond for the Reconvene Session. At that time, we will review the Governor’s actions on each bill and will vote on whether to accept or reject any amendments she proposes.

Budget Negotiations Continue

As the session ended, the House and Senate budget conferees were still working through differences between their respective budget proposals. Because of the complexity of the negotiations and the limited time remaining in the session, the conferees could not complete their work before adjournment.

Those discussions will continue in the coming weeks and, once a compromise is reached, the General Assembly will return for a special session for a final vote on the budget.

April 21^st Special Election on Redistricting

Early voting has now begun for the upcoming redistricting referendum and will continue through April 18. Election Day is April 21st.

Free and fair elections are the cornerstone of our democracy, which is exactly why I support giving Virginia voters the power to level the playing field and protect our democracy for our kids and grandkids. This amendment ensures that Virginia has a way to protect fair representation if other states continue stacking the deck. I hope you will vote yes on this referendum.

Winter Weather Resources

 

 

Snow Information Fairfax Sign up for Fairfax County Emergency Alerts and follow the Fairfax County Emergency Blog. For questions about snow removal, shoveling, or other winter weather related questions, visit the County's snow webpage here. City of Falls Church Save this link for all City of Falls Church winter information and resources: Winter Weather Central. VDOT and The Roads | VDOT owns the majority of roads in Fairfax County and they are in charge of plowing them. To report hazardous road conditions, call VDOT’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-367-7623 or visit online. Track road conditions and get VDOT Plows updates online. Fairfax County Police | For Emergencies, dial 911. For Non-Emergencies 703-691-2131, TTY 703-204-2264, https://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/police/fairfax-county-police-department Public Schools Fairfax County Public School updates City of Falls Church Public School updates Power Outages Dominion | Report a power outage online here or call 1-866-366-4357. NOVEC | Report a power outage online here or call 703-335-0500. Report Other Utility Problems Verizon | 1-800-837-4966 Cox | 703-378-8422, text 54512 Comcast/Xfinity | 800-934-6489 Washington Gas Emergency | 844-927-4427, select option 1, TTY 711 or 800-735-2258 Columbia Gas | 800-544-5606, TTY 800-231-3238 Fairfax Water | 703-698-5600, After Hours Emergency, 703-698-5613 Hypothermia Shelters | If you see someone who is unsheltered and you think they are at risk of hypothermia, call the County’s non-emergency police phone number: 703-691-2131. For City of Falls Church | The City Warming Center is at the Community Center through March 31st.

 

The story of Virginia

The story of Virginia cannot be told without the voices, leadership, and resilience of Black Virginians. Their contributions have helped build our Commonwealth and move our nation forward. This is a time to celebrate that legacy, but also to acknowledge that meaningful progress requires honest reflection and continued action to expand opportunity and justice.

That same sense of responsibility—to honor the past while doing the work of the present—has been on full display at the Capitol. Last week marked the final stretch before crossover, the halfway point of the legislative session, when the pace quickens and the days grow longer. Extended House floor sessions and marathon committee meetings are part of this moment, ensuring that every bill receives the careful hearing, debate, and vote it deserves. As hundreds of proposals move forward, our focus remains steady: advancing legislation that delivers real, tangible results for families, workers, and communities across Virginia.

Transparency & Efficiency

Transparency and efficiency remain central to our work. Several bills this session are designed to protect consumers and make public and private systems work more clearly and fairly. HB 484 stops insurers from using automated tools to reduce medical claims unfairly, ensuring patients and providers receive the coverage they are owed. HB 618 improves how health plan information is collected and reported so it is easier for the public and regulators to access. HB 676 allows providers to submit information electronically while requiring insurers to offer payment options without extra fees. In housing, HB 616 and HB 1325 require landlords to provide clear, itemized statements, written leases, and a summary of tenant rights, including disclosures about fees and flood risk.

Affordability

Affordability continues to be a major priority. HB 519 treats air conditioning as an essential service in rental housing, protecting tenants during extreme heat. HB 625 caps out-of-pocket prescription drug costs, while HB 837 expands eviction diversion programs and ensures tenants know about available rental assistance. HB 1005 requires landlords to accept common payment methods and limits extra fees for maintenance. HB 1078 prevents large landlords from denying applicants based on old eviction records. HB 1093 limits excessive attorney fees when tenants pay overdue rent before court, HB 1214 lowers the monthly insulin cap to $35, and HB 1408 protects survivors of family abuse from eviction penalties. These measures make daily life more manageable for Virginians and ensure that fairness guides our laws.

Economic & Social Justice

The House has also advanced a slate of bills on public safety, civil rights, and economic fairness, now under consideration in the Senate. Economic and environmental justice legislation includes HB 1, raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour by 2028; HB 4, allowing localities to preserve affordable housing; HB 397, preparing Virginia to re-enter RGGI to combat climate change; and HB 449, giving Virginians the tools to hold powerful companies accountable through class action lawsuits.

Public Safety

Gun violence prevention remains a top priority. HB 21 creates civil accountability for firearm manufacturers. My HB 40 to ban ghost guns once again passed the House. HB 93 prevents illegal firearms from reaching domestic abusers. HB 217 prohibits assault weapons, HB 229 bars firearms in hospitals that provide mental health services, and HB 871 requires safe firearm storage in homes with minors or prohibited individuals. Together, these measures make our communities safer while respecting lawful gun ownership.

Redistricting

With the Governor’s signature on the enabling legislation, the approval of funding in the budget, and the election calendar now finalized, the mid-decade redistricting process is officially underway. The legal framework and resources are now in place to implement the updated congressional district maps, and the timelines for the April 21st election have been set so voters can plan accordingly. Our focus now shifts to executing this process smoothly and transparently to ensure voters have clear information and confidence in the updated congressional districts and upcoming election schedule.

Championing the issues that matter the most to my constituents means showing up, standing up, and lifting up the voices of all our neighbors. It means advancing policies that improve lives, build trust, and create opportunities. Together, we can make Virginia a Commonwealth that works for everyone. And the legislation that is advancing this session is designed to do just that.

2026 Session Sneak Peak

Housing affordability remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Virginians today. Whether it is first-time homebuyers struggling to enter the market, renters facing rising costs, or longtime homeowners navigating increasingly complex real estate and land-record systems, housing costs affect family stability, economic mobility, and community growth across the Commonwealth. These pressures make it especially important that Virginia’s laws governing housing, land use, and real estate transactions are fair, transparent, and responsive to modern realities. 

Against that backdrop, on January 14th the Virginia General Assembly gaveled into session, beginning a constitutionally limited 60-day period in which legislators introduce, debate, and vote on thousands of bills that will shape the Commonwealth for years to come. The pace is fast, the schedule demanding, and the stakes high. In just two months, the House of Delegates and Senate must address issues ranging from public safety and education to consumer protection, transparency in government, and the everyday legal frameworks Virginians rely on but rarely think about until something goes wrong. 

During session, we are also responding to constituent concerns, reviewing the proposed state budget, crafting budget amendments, and meeting with the advocacy and constituent groups that travel to Richmond during session. Despite the hectic schedule, the General Assembly Session offers an opportunity to make meaningful, practical improvements to Virginia law. 

This year, I have introduced legislation across several broad areas with a consistent goal in mind: protecting Virginians, modernizing outdated laws, and ensuring fairness and transparency. 

Several of my bills focus on housing, land records, and real estate transactions. One proposal requires settlement agents to notify homebuyers of their right to remove unlawful restrictive covenants discovered during a title search, helping address the lingering effects of discriminatory language in property records. Other bills strengthen protections against real estate fraud by improving identity verification for notarizations, requiring training for notaries on fraud and financial exploitation, and establishing property alert notification systems so homeowners are notified when documents affecting their property are recorded. I have also introduced measures to clarify recording and indexing fees for complex deeds and to protect property owners correcting fraudulent filings from unnecessary taxes. 

Consumer protection and access to justice are another major focus. I am carrying legislation to establish the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act, which would ensure that default judgments in consumer debt cases are entered only after clear notice and specific disclosures to the consumer. Additional bills protect wages by clarifying garnishment exemptions in bankruptcy and modernize Virginia’s class action procedures to allow consumers harmed by unlawful practices to seek relief collectively. Together, these bills aim to level the playing field between individuals and large institutions. 

Transparency and accountability in government are essential to public trust. I have introduced multiple bills to improve the enforcement of the Virginia Freedom of Information Act by clarifying court procedures and ensuring that penalties for violations are applied fairly and with appropriate consideration of good faith reliance on legal guidance. I am also working on legislation to strengthen election administration by establishing clear standards and procedures for the removal of electoral board members and registrars when serious failures of duty occur. I’ve reintroduced a bill to authorize localities to adopt systems of public campaign financing for local offices, giving communities another tool to encourage participation and encourage campaign finance reform. 

In the same accountability vein, I have legislation to establish better oversight for recovery residences to protect residents and improve transparency. It requires the Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) to create minimum certification standards and regulate credentialing agencies. It also prevents conflicts of interest in credentialing while expanding data reporting and public transparency. 

Public safety legislation this session includes updates to Virginia law addressing unserialized firearms and plastic firearms that evade standard detection methods. This “ghost gun” bill closes gaps in existing law while providing delayed effective dates to allow for education and compliance. 

On education, I have a bill requiring public colleges and universities to provide reasonable accommodation for students’ religious beliefs and practices. Other proposals modernize graduation requirements by ensuring students completing International Baccalaureate programs are not subjected to redundant requirements and by allowing appropriate waivers for students with disabilities.  

I have also introduced a bill to abolish the common law crime of suicide in Virginia. Although suicide is not punished under current law, its continued classification as a crime adds stigma and can compound the pain experienced by individuals and families during moments of profound crisis.  

While some of these bills may sound familiar because I have introduced them before, some are new ideas. The next several weeks will move quickly as we work to review all the bills introduced before the crossover deadline in February. In the meantime, I will continue listening to constituents, working with colleagues, and focusing on practical solutions that improve the lives of Virginians. This week marks the beginning of that work. You can view my full legislative agenda online at lis.virginia.gov. 

Richmond Report Wrapped

Tis the season for everyone to get their Spotify / Strava / you-name-it year in review. In my never-ending efforts to make state level politics fun, relevant and on trend, I present to you: Marcus Simon’s Richmond Report “wrapped” as the kids say.  

I’ve had the privilege of sharing 11 monthly columns with readers of the Falls Church News-Press so far in 2025. Each month focused on a specific issue or moment, but together they tell a broader story about where Virginia is, what we value, and the work still ahead. 

At the heart of nearly every column was a simple idea that government should make life better and fairer for the people it serves. Whether we were talking about education funding, transportation, housing affordability, or public safety, the question was always the same. Are we meeting people where they are, and are we delivering results that matter in their daily lives? 

Of course, not everything got better in 2025. For instance, in January, I started with my hope that the Commanders would make it to the Super Bowl. After decades since they last got to play, it looked like there was a real possibility of that happening. Although that didn’t hold true, the larger point was about being hopeful about being back in the game, of having a chance.  

Some good did come out of 2025, though. While our local football team has reverted to form, the Virginia House Democrats turned out to be a real electoral juggernaut. When I was first elected, there were only 33 Democrats in the House. After November’s election results, on January 14, 2026 will have 64. I also had my most successful legislative year in Richmond with 14 of the 16 bills I introduced passing both chambers. 

Protecting fundamental freedoms has also been a major theme this year. I wrote often about the danger of assuming progress is permanent and the responsibility we have to actively defend the rights generations before us fought to secure. During the 2025 Session, we passed the Constitutional Amendments on the right to vote, to reproductive freedom, and to marriage equality. We will pass them again on the first day of the 2026 Session, so that they can be on the ballot in the fall.  

Through the spring and summer, I focused on affordability and the chaos that the Trump Administration thrives on. Virginians are working hard, yet too many families still feel squeezed. Rising housing costs, utility bills, and everyday expenses were top of mind in Richmond this year and in many of these columns. I highlighted efforts to expand affordable housing, strengthen worker protections like paid sick leave, and lower energy costs through efficiency and weatherization. These aren’t flashy policies, but they make a real difference in whether families can stay in the communities they love. 

I also returned again and again to the health of our democracy, particularly as we headed into the fall and election season. That meant writing about fair redistricting, election integrity, and the importance of civic engagement. Democracy depends on participation, transparency, and trust. In a time of heightened polarization, I tried to focus on the practical steps we can take to ensure our system remains responsive and accountable. Working to expand our House Majority and take back the three state-wide offices was integral to ensuring that Virginia stands against federal overreach and protects those that need it the most. We had an unprecedented election night, making it clear how we want to move forward. 

Another theme that cut across many columns was the need to prepare for the future. Whether discussing climate resilience, energy infrastructure, or workforce development, the message was clear: Virginia can’t afford to be reactive. We need to plan now for the challenges coming next, from extreme weather to rapid changes in the economy, and make smart investments that will pay dividends down the road. 

Throughout the year, I also made a point of pulling back the curtain on how the General Assembly works. Richmond can feel distant and opaque, and part of the goal of this column has always been to connect state policy decisions to their local impact. Bills debated hundreds of miles away ultimately shape zoning decisions, classroom sizes, and the cost of living here at home. 

If there’s one overarching takeaway from this year’s columns, it’s that progress is the result of sustained effort, not single moments. Change rarely happens all at once. It happens through persistent advocacy, coalition-building, and showing up month after month, session after session. Thank you for reading and for staying engaged.