Nonpartisan · Data from OpenStates / Plural Policy · Virginia
Democratic
· Senator
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
Represents District 39 in the State Senate.
Votes with Democrats
98%
on 432 party-line votes · Senate Democrats median 99%
Cast a vote
98%
Yea or Nay on 1,873 of 1,919 roll calls · Senate median 98%
Their bills that became law
17 of 23
as a primary sponsor, this session · Democrats median 21
Roll calls on record
1,919
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 Elizabeth Bennett-Parker 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 Elizabeth Bennett-Parker 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. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker is circled.
Always on the Republican sideAlways on the Democratic side
Times they broke with their party
10 of 432 party-line votes.
SB118 · Virginia Lottery; casinos, internet gaming authorized, penalties, delayed effective date.
Read third time and passed Senate (19-Y 17-N 0-A) · 2026-02-16 · Passed 19–17 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB118 · Virginia Lottery; casinos, internet gaming authorized, penalties, delayed effective date.
Read third time and defeated by Senate (19-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-02-16 · Failed 19–20 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB356 · American Indians, Virginia and federally recognized tribes; establishes definitions, sovereignty.
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 7-N) · 2026-02-12 · Passed 8–7 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB353 · Consultation with federally recognized tribes; permits and reviews, etc.
Continued to next session in Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 6-N) · 2026-02-12 · Passed 9–6 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB118 · Virginia Lottery; casinos, internet gaming authorized, penalties, delayed effective date.
Reported from Finance and Appropriations with substitute (8-Y 6-N 1-A) · 2026-02-10 · Passed 8–6 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB396 · Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21.
In plain English Requires first-time drivers ages 18 to 21 to hold a learner's permit for 90 days instead of 60 and complete driver instruction before licensure.
Read third time and passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A) · 2026-02-04 · Passed 22–18 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB396 · Driver's licenses; requirements for initial licensure, persons age 18 to 21.
In plain English Requires first-time drivers ages 18 to 21 to hold a learner's permit for 90 days instead of 60 and complete driver instruction before licensure.
Read third time and defeated by Senate (19-Y 21-N 0-A) · 2026-02-04 · Failed 19–21 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB612 · Motion picture production; extends income tax credit sunset.
In plain English Extends the motion picture production tax credit through taxable year 2030 instead of ending in 2026.
Read third time and passed Senate (23-Y 15-N 0-A) · 2026-01-30 · Passed 23–15 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB604 · Charitable gaming; common interest communities, bingo.
Reported from General Laws and Technology and rereferred to Finance and Appropriations (9-Y 6-N) · 2026-01-28 · Passed 9–6 · most Democrats voted the other way
SB476 · Health insurance; prior authorization requests reviewed by physician.
Passed by indefinitely in Commerce and Labor (8-Y 6-N) · 2026-01-26 · Passed 8–6 · most Democrats voted the other way
Closest votes they cast
Roll calls decided by the fewest votes, one per bill.
SB191 · Railroad safety; minimum train crew used in movement of freight.
In plain English Requires at least two qualified crew members on freight trains, except for hostler or utility service, and directs the State Corporation Commission to report railroad safety violations to federal regulators.
Read third time and passed Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A) · 2026-02-17 · Failed 20–20
SB584 · Campaign finance; contribution limits, penalties.
Failed to report from Privileges and Elections with substitute (7-Y 7-N 1-A) · 2026-02-10 · Failed 7–7
SB368 · Campaign finance; contribution limits and public campaign financing.
Failed to report (defeated) in Privileges and Elections (7-Y 7-N 1-A) · 2026-02-10 · Failed 7–7
SB502 · Campaign finance; prohibited contributions to candidates.
Failed to report (defeated) in Privileges and Elections (7-Y 7-N 1-A) · 2026-02-10 · Failed 7–7
SB201 · Consumer Data Protection Act; protections for children, definitions.
Failed to report (defeated) in General Laws and Technology (7-Y 7-N 1-A) · 2026-02-04 · Failed 7–7
Republicans 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.
David SuetterleinRepublican · District 4 · 245 shared contested votes
25%
Danny DiggsRepublican · District 24 · 292 shared contested votes
25%
Richard StuartRepublican · District 25 · 336 shared contested votes
22%
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 (46 in all). Gaps are months the chamber wasn’t voting.
← Virginia Delegation
AbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentAbsentYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaNVYeaYeaYeaYeaNayYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYeaYea
Their bills, from filing to law
Bills Elizabeth Bennett-Parker 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.
Introduced23
Out of committee21
Passed one chamber19
Passed both chambers17
Became law17
Never left committee2
For comparison, the median Democratic member of the Senate has 21 bills that became law this session.
Va. ABC Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers, etc.
In plain English Transfers tobacco product licensing from the Department of Taxation to the Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority and requires unannounced inspections at least every 24 months.
Official synopsis: Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority; permitting of retail tobacco product retailers; purchase, possession, and sale of retail tobacco products; penalties; report. Transitions and provides a more comprehensive structure for the current licensing and enforcement responsibilities related to liquid nicotine and retail tobacco products from the…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP1021) · 2026-04-22
"Carry Me Back to Old Virginny;" removes designation as official state song emeritus.
In plain English Removes "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny" as the official state song emeritus.
Official synopsis: Official emblems and designations; song emeritus; repeal. Repeals the designation of "Carry Me Back to Old Virginny," by James A. Bland, as set out in House Joint Resolution 10, adopted by the General Assembly of Virginia during the Session of 1940, as the official state…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0957) · 2026-04-13
Unemployment benefits; increase weekly benefit amount.
In plain English Increases the weekly unemployment benefit amount by $48 for claims effective on or after July 1, 2026.
Official synopsis: Unemployment benefits; increase weekly benefit amount. Provides that, for unemployment compensation claims effective on or after July 1, 2026, an eligible individual's weekly benefit amount shall be $48 higher than the current weekly benefit amount, as denoted in the table in the printed bill. This…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0775) · 2026-04-13
Virginia Human Rights Act; nondiscrimination, procedures for charge of unlawful discrimination.
In plain English Expands nondiscrimination protections to educational institutions, lowers the employee threshold for employer coverage, and extends the complaint filing deadline from 300 days to two years.
Official synopsis: Virginia Human Rights Act; procedures for a charge of unlawful discrimination. Provides that, for the purposes of nondiscrimination in places of public accommodation, "place of public accommodation" includes educational institutions. The bill reduces from 15 to five the number of employees in the definition of "employer" for purposes…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0950) · 2026-04-13
National Popular Vote Compact; enters Virginia into an interstate compact.
In plain English Enters Virginia into a compact to award its electoral votes to the presidential candidate who wins the most votes nationwide, once states with a majority of electoral votes join.
Official synopsis: Presidential electors; National Popular Vote Compact. Enters Virginia into an interstate compact known as the Agreement Among the States to Elect the President by National Popular Vote. Article II of the Constitution of the United States gives the states exclusive and plenary authority to decide…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0716) · 2026-04-13
Constitutional amdmnt. marriage between two adult persons, repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition.
Constitutional amendment (voter referendum); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition. Provides for a referendum at the November 3, 2026, general election to approve or reject an amendment that requires the equal treatment under the law of a lawful marriage between two…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0819) · 2026-04-13
Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; rental payment methods, prohibited fees.
In plain English Requires landlords to accept rent and security deposits by check and money order, and prohibits charging tenants fees for rent payments or repairs except those caused by tenant violations.
Official synopsis: Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act; rental payment methods; prohibited fees. Requires a landlord subject to the Virginia Residential Landlord and Tenant Act to accept payment of periodic rent and any security deposit by check and money order. The bill additionally prohibits such a landlord…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0723) · 2026-04-13
Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act; created, prohibited practices, penalties.
In plain English Requires people who help veterans with benefits claims to follow regulations and makes violations subject to consumer protection penalties.
Official synopsis: Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act; prohibited practices; penalties. Creates the Safeguarding American Veteran Empowerment Act to regulate the practices of persons seeking to receive compensation for preparing, presenting, prosecuting, advising, consulting, or assisting any individual regarding any veterans' benefits matter, as defined in the bill.…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0603) · 2026-04-13
Fantasy contests; regulation and taxation, civil penalty, repeals Fantasy Contests Act.
In plain English Imposes a 10 percent tax and 2.6 percent fee on fantasy contest operators' revenue and requires them to obtain permits from the Virginia Lottery.
Official synopsis: Fantasy contests; regulation and taxation. Imposes (i) a 10 percent tax on a fantasy contest operator's fantasy contest revenue, with 2.5 percent of the tax revenue being allocated to the Problem Gambling Treatment and Support Fund and the remaining 97.5 percent being allocated to the…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0566) · 2026-04-13
Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry.
In plain English Removes the constitutional definition of marriage as between one man and one woman and requires recognizing marriages between any two adults equally under law.
Official synopsis: Constitutional amendment (second reference); marriage between two adult persons; repeal of same-sex marriage prohibition; affirmative right to marry. Repeals the constitutional provision defining marriage as only a union between one man and one woman as well as the related provisions that are no longer valid…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0979) · 2026-04-13
Plastic firearms or receivers, etc., transfer, etc., prohibited; penalties.
In plain English Bans manufacturing, importing, selling, transferring, or possessing plastic firearms, unserialized firearms, and unfinished frames or receivers, with felony penalties.
Official synopsis: Manufacture, importation, sale, transfer, or possession of plastic firearms and unfinished frames or receivers and unserialized firearms prohibited; penalties. Creates a Class 5 felony for any person who knowingly manufactures or assembles, imports, purchases, sells, transfers, or possesses any firearm that, after removal of all…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0532) · 2026-04-10
Virginia Freedom of Information Act; public bodies to post meeting agendas.
In plain English Requires public bodies to post meeting agendas on their websites before meetings and limits action on late-added items unless time-sensitive or in closed sessions.
Official synopsis: Virginia Freedom of Information Act; public bodies to post meeting agendas. Requires public bodies subject to the Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) to post the proposed agenda on the public body's official government website, if any, prior to the meeting. The bill provides that…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0519) · 2026-04-08
Virginia Lottery; disclosure of identity of winners.
In plain English Prohibits the Virginia Lottery from disclosing any winner's identity unless the winner consents, removing the current $1 million threshold.
Official synopsis: Virginia Lottery; disclosure of identity of winners. Prohibits the Virginia Lottery (the Department) from disclosing information about any individual winner and exempts such information from disclosure under the Virginia Freedom of Information Act unless the winner consents to such disclosure. Under current law, the Department…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0520) · 2026-04-08
Tourism improvement districts; transient occupancy tax in Arlington County.
Tourism improvement districts; administering nonprofits; county manager plan; transient occupancy tax. Allows tourism entities, defined in the bill, to enter into written agreements for the provision of professional services to an administering nonprofit that is under contract with a locality to administer or implement activities…
Became lawActs of Assembly Chapter text (CHAP0163) · 2026-04-06
Confederate monuments and memorials; Department of General Services to remove from Capitol Square.
Department of General Services; removal of Confederate monuments and memorials. Directs the Department of General Services to remove all Confederate monuments and memorials from Capitol Square. The bill directs the Department to store such monuments and memorials until such time as the General Assembly determines…
Passed one chamberTabled in Appropriations (22-Y 0-N) · 2026-03-09
“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.
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HB1180 · 2026-02-17
Income tax, state; free tax filing program for individuals. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N))
HB167 · 2026-02-17
Tax exemptions; Confederacy organizations. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 5-N))
HB29 · 2026-02-17
Budget Bill. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations with Senate Amendments Substituted for House Amendments (9-Y 5-N))
HB800 · 2026-02-17
Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient Manufacturing Grant Fund; established. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N))
HB1076 · 2026-02-17
Pharmaceutical Substance Manufacturing Grant Fund; created. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N))
HB341 · 2026-02-17
Plastic bag tax; distribution to towns. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 5-N))
HB550 · 2026-02-17
Admissions tax in counties; retail sales and use tax dedicated to promotion of tourism. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (8-Y 5-N))
HB799 · 2026-02-17
Power Transformer Manufacturing Grant Fund; created. (Reported from Finance and Appropriations (13-Y 0-N))
SB643 · 2026-02-17
Firearms, certain; possession, transportation, or purchase by certain persons, penalty. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB598 · 2026-02-17
Electric utilities; renewable portfolio standard program, zero-carbon electricity, etc. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB688 · 2026-02-17
Campaign finance; establishes campaign contribution limits, contingency, effective clause. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB191 · 2026-02-17
Railroad safety; minimum train crew used in movement of freight. (Read third time and passed Senate (20-Y 20-N 0-A))
SB753 · 2026-02-17
Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations. (Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB753 · 2026-02-17
Unauthorized use of voice or likeness; punitive damages, statute of limitations. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB796 · 2026-02-17
Artificial Intelligence Companion Chatbots and Minors Act; established, enforcement, civil penalty. (Reconsideration of (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB796 · 2026-02-17
Artificial Intelligence Companion Chatbots and Minors Act; established, enforcement, civil penalty. (Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading) (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB796 · 2026-02-17
Artificial Intelligence Companion Chatbots and Minors Act; established, enforcement, civil penalty. (Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 1-N 0-A))
SB650 · 2026-02-17
Public utilities; water and sewerage companies, discounted rates for low-income customers. (Read third time and passed Senate (23-Y 17-N 0-A))
SB804 · 2026-02-17
Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission; submission of annual report. (Constitutional reading dispensed (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB804 · 2026-02-17
Judicial Inquiry and Review Commission; submission of annual report. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB334 · 2026-02-17
Conveyances of interests in real property; public hearing required. (Read third time and passed Senate (26-Y 14-N 0-A))
SB2 · 2026-02-17
Paid family & med. leave insurance program; definitions, notice requirements, civil action, report. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB21 · 2026-02-17
DJJ; transfer of responsibility to Secretary of Health and Human Resources. (Read third time and passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB738 · 2026-02-17
Hospitals; emergency department physicians. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB600 · 2026-02-17
Virginia National Guard; nonjudicial disciplinary proceedings. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB494 · 2026-02-17
Higher educational institutions, public; membership of governing boards. (Read third time and passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB541 · 2026-02-17
Time zone; permanent Eastern Standard Time in the Commonwealth. (Read third time and passed Senate (24-Y 16-N 0-A))
SB565 · 2026-02-17
Virginia Contractor Transaction Recovery Fund; claim limits, license threshold amounts. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB689 · 2026-02-17
Oral threat to kill or to do bodily harm; employees of local or state dept. of social serv. penalty. (Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 1-N 0-A))
SB673 · 2026-02-17
Stalking; using electronically transmitted communication, penalty. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB783 · 2026-02-17
Law-enforcement agencies; agreements with federal authority for immigration enforcement. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB199 · 2026-02-17
Employment; paid sick leave, civil penalties. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB72 · 2026-02-17
Electric utilities; energy efficiency upgrades, report. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB378 · 2026-02-17
Public employees; repeals existing prohibition on collective bargaining, etc. (Read third time and passed Senate (22-Y 18-N 0-A))
SB378 · 2026-02-17
Public employees; repeals existing prohibition on collective bargaining, etc. (Reconsideration of passage agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB378 · 2026-02-17
Public employees; repeals existing prohibition on collective bargaining, etc. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB542 · 2026-02-17
Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market, penalties, report. (Read third time and passed Senate (20-Y 19-N 1-A))
SB542 · 2026-02-17
Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market, penalties, report. (Reconsideration of passage agreed to by Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB542 · 2026-02-17
Cannabis control; establishes framework for creation of retail marijuana market, penalties, report. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB253 · 2026-02-17
Electric utilities; pilot programs for energy assistance and weatherization for certain individuals. (Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB220 · 2026-02-17
High school student athlete; revising residency requirement to participate in athletic teams, report. (Read third time and passed Senate (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB408 · 2026-02-17
Solicitation of contributions; enforcement, creates private right of action. (Read third time and defeated by Senate (17-Y 21-N 2-A))
SB230 · 2026-02-17
Police and court records; expungement of records, delayed effective date. (Read third time and passed Senate (27-Y 12-N 0-A))
SB121 · 2026-02-17
Minimum wage; farm laborers or farm employees, temporary foreign workers. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB714 · 2026-02-17
Local pretrial services officers; duties and responsibilities, defendant interviews, assessments. (Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB714 · 2026-02-17
Local pretrial services officers; duties and responsibilities, defendant interviews, assessments. (Read third time and passed Senate (23-Y 16-N 0-A))
SB256 · 2026-02-17
Appliance minimum energy and water conservation standards; requirement of manufacturers. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB209 · 2026-02-17
Geriatric prisoners; conditional release. (Motion to rerefer to Finance and Appropriations agreed to)
SB386 · 2026-02-17
Owners of sewage treatment works; land application, marketing, or distributing of sewage sludge. (Read third time and passed Senate (27-Y 13-N 0-A))
SB543 · 2026-02-17
Marijuana and hemp products; enforcement. (Read third time and passed Senate (26-Y 14-N 0-A))
SB764 · 2026-02-17
Defendant; deferred disposition in a criminal case, license suspension. (Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB764 · 2026-02-17
Defendant; deferred disposition in a criminal case, license suspension. (Read third time and passed Senate (37-Y 2-N 0-A))
SB621 · 2026-02-17
Electric utilities; electric grid utilization metrics; State Corporation Commission. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB647 · 2026-02-17
Unmanned aircraft systems; use by law-enforcement officers, search warrants. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB644 · 2026-02-17
Minimum wage and overtime wages; payment, misclassification of workers, civil actions. (Read third time and passed Senate (20-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB283 · 2026-02-17
Penalties for failure to appear; definition, contempt. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 19-N 0-A))
SB200 · 2026-02-17
SOL assessments and related assessment methods; development, administration, scoring, and release. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB504 · 2026-02-17
Vested rights; rulings or orders of the local circuit court, residential project. (Constitutional reading dispensed Block Vote (on 3rd reading) (39-Y 0-N 0-A))
SB504 · 2026-02-17
Vested rights; rulings or orders of the local circuit court, residential project. (Read third time and passed Senate (21-Y 17-N 0-A))
SB819 · 2026-02-17
Lottery, casino gaming, etc.; Va. Lottery shall study responsibility of gaming, age verification. (Read third time and passed Senate (40-Y 0-N 0-A))
Complete voting record from LegiScan (showing the 60 most recent of 1919 total roll-call votes this session).
Capitol Office
📍Room 611, P.O. Box 396 General Assembly Building, 201 N. 9th St., Richmond, VA 23218
🖨Fax: 804-698-7651
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