Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Virginia
Votes with Republicans
96%
on 916 party-line votes · Senate Republicans median 93%
Cast a vote
99%
Yea or Nay on 3,907 of 3,922 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
9 of 19
as a primary sponsor, this session · Republicans median 16
Roll calls on record
3,922
2026 Regular Regular Session
Votes and bills updated Oct 12, 2026 from LegiScan (CC BY 4.0), which republishes the legislature’s own records. Profile details from OpenStates / Plural Policy. Figures cover 2026 Regular Regular Session.
How Luther Cifers votes
A party-line vote is a roll call where most voting Democrats and most voting Republicans took opposite sides. Absences and not-voting are never counted. Same method as our Congress pages.
Where Luther Cifers sits in the Senate
Each dot is one member of the Senate, placed by how often they voted on the Democratic side of party-line votes. Luther Cifers is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
34 of 916 party-line votes, most recent 10 shown.
HB395 · Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices, local regulation.
In plain English Prevents localities from banning small portable solar devices on homes and allows tenants to install them, while prohibiting utilities from charging fees or requiring approval.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (28-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 28–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB648 · Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions.
In plain English Requires local government members to disclose continuing interest in former employers for two years, and imposes specific governance requirements on certain Virginia towns.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 21–18 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1100 · Wage garnishments; treasurers' liens for unpaid taxes and charges.
In plain English Limits treasurer liens on wages to 25 percent of disposable earnings per pay period, with exceptions for high-income earners, flight risk, or asset disposal.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (28-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 28–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB250 · Electric utilities; small portable solar generation devices, local regulation.
In plain English Prevents localities from banning small portable solar devices on homes and prohibits utilities from charging fees or requiring approval for their installation.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (27-Y 12-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 27–12 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1450 · Health insurance; claims experience information, effective clause.
In plain English Requires health insurers to provide policyholders with claims experience information for all employee benefit plans and pharmacy benefits, effective only if reenacted in 2027.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (25-Y 14-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Passed 25–14 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB342 · Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation.
In plain English Requires compensation to the state and locality when condemned land is subject to a conservation or open-space easement.
Senate rejected Governor's recommendation (10-Y 29-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Failed 10–29 · most Republicans voted the other way
SB764 · Defendant; deferred disposition in a criminal case, license suspension.
In plain English Allows courts to suspend a driver's license when deferring charges for vehicle or boat operation offenses, and permits deferred judgment for drunk driving if the defendant completes an alcohol safety program and uses an ignition interlock device.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (27-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 27–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB496 · Certain data from water users; water use consumption for domestic, etc., purposes, data centers.
In plain English Requires water suppliers to report monthly volumes of potable and reclaimed water provided to data centers and other users by category, starting January 1, 2027.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (26-Y 13-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 26–13 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB153 · Data centers; site assessment, sound profile of the high energy use facility.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (29-Y 10-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 29–10 · most Republicans voted the other way
HB1487 · Underground transmission lines; pilot program, clarifies qualifying projects, report.
In plain English Authorizes the State Corporation Commission to approve up to four applications for underground electrical transmission lines between 2025 and 2033, with localities paying at least 50 percent of underground costs.
Conference report agreed to by Senate (28-Y 11-N 0-A) · 2026-03-14 · Passed 28–11 · most Republicans voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
SB347 · Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions.
In plain English Requires localities to set standards for ground-mounted solar facilities of one megawatt or more and report decisions to the state starting July 1, 2026.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (18-Y 18-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Failed 18–18
HB505 · Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions.
Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (19-Y 19-N 0-A) · 2026-04-22 · Failed 19–19
HB1093 · Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; landlord remedies, attorney fees capped.
Passed Senate with amendment (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-10 · Failed 20–20
HB86 · Mattress Stewardship Program; established, definitions, report.
Passed Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-10 · Failed 20–20
SB109 · School boards; safe storage of prescription drugs and firearms in the household.
In plain English Requires school boards to annually notify parents by email and text about safely storing prescription drugs and firearms at home, including state laws and firearm injury statistics.
House substitute agreed to by Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-03-04 · Failed 20–20
Democrats they vote with most
Share of contested roll calls (the losing side got at least 10%) where both voted and landed on the same side. Unanimous votes are left out, because on those everyone agrees.
Elizabeth Bennett-ParkerDemocrat · District 39 · 290 shared contested votes
12%
Dave MarsdenDemocrat · District 35 · 861 shared contested votes
12%
Stella PekarskyDemocrat · District 36 · 932 shared contested votes
11%
Their session, month by month
Dark bars are roll calls they were recorded on each month; the red part is the ones without a Yea or Nay (15 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Virginia Delegation
YeaNayNayNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaNayNayYeaNayYeaNayNayYeaYeaYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaNayNayNayNayYeaNayYeaNayNayNayYeaYeaNayYeaNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNayNay
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Luther Cifers was a primary sponsor of this session. Most bills from either party never leave committee; in Illinois many never get past the Assignments or Rules committee.
Introduced19
Out of committee10
Passed one chamber9
Passed both chambers9
Became law9
Never left committee9
For comparison, the median Republican member of the Senate has 16 bills that became law this session.
Motor vehicles; glass repair and replacement, emissions inspections, penalties, repeals.
In plain English Requires motor vehicle glass repair shops to meet notice requirements and allows emissions inspection waivers for vehicles with untested diagnostic systems.
Official synopsis: Motor vehicle glass repair and replacement; emissions inspection; penalties. Establishes various notice requirements for motor vehicle glass repair shops, defined in the bill, and provides that a violation of such requirements is subject to enforcement by the Attorney General under the authority and procedures applicable…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1027) · 2026-04-22
Vehicle equipment; clear film on windshields.
In plain English Allows clear film to be applied to vehicle windshields if it meets federal requirements.
Official synopsis: Vehicle equipment; films on windshields. Authorizes the application of clear film to the windshield of a vehicle, so long as it is maintained in a condition consistent with federal requirements.
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0894) · 2026-04-13
Louisa, Town of; new charter, previous charter repealed.
In plain English Establishes a new charter for the Town of Louisa and repeals its 1972 charter.
Official synopsis: Charter; Town of Louisa. Establishes a new charter for the Town of Louisa in Louisa County and repeals the current charter, which was created in 1972. The new charter sets out the organization of the town's government and contains powers typically granted to towns. This…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0195) · 2026-04-06
Celebrating the life of John Howard Hodges.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate (SR112ER) · 2026-03-26
Celebrating the life of Ted D. Elliott.
Celebrating the life of Theodore D. Elliott.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate (SR107ER) · 2026-03-25
Celebrating the life of William Edward Jamerson, Sr.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ206ER) · 2026-03-14
Commending Samuel E. Carter.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ205ER) · 2026-03-14
Commending Steve Hopkins.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ202ER) · 2026-03-14
Celebrating the life of K9 Ally.
Became lawBill text as passed Senate and House (SJ175ER) · 2026-03-14
Virginia National Guard TRICARE Reimbursement Fund; established.
Virginia National Guard TRICARE Reimbursement Fund established. Establishes the Virginia National Guard TRICARE Reimbursement Fund for the purpose of reimbursing the costs of federal TRICARE dental insurance plan premiums and TRICARE Reserve Select health insurance plan premiums for Virginia National Guard members deemed eligible by…
Out of committeeContinued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (10-Y 5-N) · 2026-02-12
Career & technical education prog., associate degree programs, etc.; return on investment analysis.
Department of Education; career and technical education programs, associate degree programs, and baccalaureate degree programs; return on investment analysis and report; report. Directs the Department of Education to prepare and submit to the Chairs of the Senate Committees on Education and Health and Finance and…
Not out of committeeStricken at request of Patron in Education and Health (15-Y 0-N) · 2026-02-12
Ivermectin; authorize over-the-counter sale.
Ivermectin; over-the-counter sale. Authorizes the over-the-counter sale of ivermectin suitable for human use to persons 18 years of age or older without a prescription or consultation with a pharmacist or other health care professional.
Not out of committeePassed by indefinitely in Education and Health (9-Y 6-N) · 2026-02-12
Kratom; Virginia State Crime Commission to conduct an analysis of enforcement & regulation, report.
Virginia State Crime Commission; kratom regulation and enforcement; report.
Not out of committeeContinued to next session in Courts of Justice (15-Y 0-N) · 2026-02-11
Flooding in Prince Edward County; Depart. of Conservation & Recreation to study methods to mitigate.
Study; Department of Conservation and Recreation; methods to mitigate flooding in Prince Edward County; report. Requests the Department of Conservation and Recreation to work in collaboration with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to study methods to mitigate flooding in Prince Edward County. The resolution…
Not out of committeePassed by indefinitely in Rules (Voice Vote) · 2026-02-06
Electric utilities; RPS requirements, Air Pollution Control Board regulations.
Electric utilities; RPS requirements; Air Pollution Control Board; regulations. Delays for 20 years the timeline by which Appalachian Power and Dominion Energy Virginia are required to produce 100 percent of their electric energy from 100 percent renewable resources. Under the bill, the annual percentage requirements…
Not out of committeePassed by indefinitely in Agriculture, Conservation and Natural Resources (8-Y 6-N) · 2026-02-03
“In plain English” lines are written by ThePolitibase with AI (Claude), from the official synopsis only; the synopsis is the authoritative text. Descriptions are the legislature’s own synopsis. Bill data from LegiScan, CC BY 4.0.
Loading committees…
HB484 · 2026-04-22
Health insurance; ethics and fairness in carrier business practices, downcoded claims. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB1393 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; pilot program for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (34-Y 5-N 0-A))
HB1525 · 2026-04-22
Firearms, certain; definitions, possession, transportation, or purchase by certain persons, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB630 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB320 · 2026-04-22
Live streaming while driving; prohibited, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (25-Y 14-N 0-A))
SB352 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement officers; restrictions on wearing of facial coverings, exceptions, penalty. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB640 · 2026-04-22
Elections; challenges to a voter or voter's registration, filing of petition, notice of appeal. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB225 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Clean Energy Innovation Bank; created, report, membership. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation Nos. 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB892 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; integrated resource plans; SCC to investigate electric load forecasts. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB773 · 2026-04-22
Elections; absentee voting, cure process, delayed effective date. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB125 · 2026-04-22
Children's Ombudsman, Office of the; powers and duties, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB749 · 2026-04-22
Assault firearms & certain ammunition feeding devices; purchase, sale, etc., prohibited, penalties. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB803 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Fair Housing Law; regulations defining terms related to unlawful conduct. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (22-Y 17-N 0-A))
HB1377 · 2026-04-22
VMI; Bd. of Visitors to examine higher education at the Institute. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB783 · 2026-04-22
Law-enforcement agencies; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB620 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
HB238 · 2026-04-22
Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, of wages, misclassification of workers, civil actions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB711 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (20-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1457 · 2026-04-22
Vehicle weight limits; violations, owner or lessee of commercial motor vehicle hauling coal. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB308 · 2026-04-22
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
HB2 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 17-N 0-A))
SB543 · 2026-04-22
Marijuana and hemp products; enforcement. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB455 · 2026-04-22
Va. Opioid Use Red. & Jail-Based Substance Use Disorder Trtmt. and Transition Fund; grant procedure. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB230 · 2026-04-22
Police and court records; expungement of records, delayed effective date. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation Nos. 1 and 3 (24-Y 15-N 0-A))
HB101 · 2026-04-22
Concealed handguns; alternate methods of submission of applications for permits. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB324 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB614 · 2026-04-22
History/soc.science SOL & Curriculum Framework; review of instruction on roles of all peoples. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB820 · 2026-04-22
Mixed-income housing; creating a two-year pilot program that provides loan origination, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
HB857 · 2026-04-22
Home/electronic incarceration program; court shall assign pregnant/postpartum persons to program. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (38-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB107 · 2026-04-22
Jury service; exemptions upon request, certain caretakers of persons with serious health conditions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (35-Y 4-N 0-A))
SB62 · 2026-04-22
Marijuana-related offenses; modification of sentence, sunset. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB256 · 2026-04-22
Appliance minimum energy and water conservation standards; requirement of manufacturers. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1011 · 2026-04-22
Compost and other products containing organic soil amendments; waste disposal infrastructure, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB197 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Community Flood Preparedness Fund; loan and grant program, deferment of interest accrual. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB285 · 2026-04-22
Urban Public-Private Partnership Redevelopment grant program; Board of HCD to review, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB337 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; reports to General Assembly, state militias, etc. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB223 · 2026-04-22
Distributed Energy Resources Task Force; created, membership, reports, sunset. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (22-Y 17-N 0-A))
HB41 · 2026-04-22
Elections; procedures for removal of electoral board members and general registrars. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB364 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Gun Violence Prevention Center; work group to develop policy, etc., to establish. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB796 · 2026-04-22
Regulatory boards; adjustment of fees, recovery of disciplinary and monitoring costs, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB518 · 2026-04-22
Public works contracts; prevailing wage rate, definitions, civil penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB536 · 2026-04-22
Medical malpractice information disclosures; report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
SB173 · 2026-04-22
Weapons; possession prohibited in hospital that provides mental health or developmental services. (Passed by for the day (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB318 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Parole Board; powers and duties, juvenile offenders, parole procedures and considerations. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB342 · 2026-04-22
Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation. (Senate rejected Governor's recommendation (10-Y 29-N 0-A))
SB342 · 2026-04-22
Condemnation of conservation or open-space easement; compensation. (Passed in enrolled form (32-Y 7-N 0-A))
SB706 · 2026-04-22
Opioid antagonist; distribution program, reports. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB347 · 2026-04-22
Solar facilities; local regulation, permits, special exceptions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (18-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB767 · 2026-04-22
Motor vehicles; glass repair and replacement, emissions inspections, penalties, repeals. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (38-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB72 · 2026-04-22
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB379 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; application, notice, deposit, fee. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (23-Y 16-N 0-A))
HB286 · 2026-04-22
Virginia National Guard; orders transmitted to and through Governor, annual reports. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB388 · 2026-04-22
Affordable housing; religious organizations and other nonprofit tax-exempt properties. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1046 · 2026-04-22
Virginia Public Procurement Act; additional public works contract requirements. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB176 · 2026-04-22
Elections; ranked choice voting, locally elected offices, report. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB909 · 2026-04-22
Elections; certain conduct prohibited at polling places applicable to locations for absentee voting. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB505 · 2026-04-22
Counties, cities, & towns; members of governing body, continuing personal interest in transactions. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (19-Y 19-N 0-A))
HB234 · 2026-04-22
Elections; general provisions, electoral board members to wear identification, civil penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB281 · 2026-04-22
Va. Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; defense to action for possession for nonpayment of rent (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
HB1524 · 2026-04-22
Assault firearms; carrying in public areas prohibited, exceptions, penalty. (Senate concurred in Governor's recommendation (21-Y 18-N 0-A))
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 3922 total roll-call votes this session).
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