On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, Governor Glenn Youngkin, Attorney General Jason Miyares, Commonwealth agency heads, and numerous legislators attended the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) Legislative Reception to kick off Sheriffs’ Legislative Day at the State Capitol. The event welcomed 160 sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, legislators, and distinguished guests.
During the reception, Governor Youngkin and Attorney General Miyares expressed their gratitude to Virginia’s sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, and staff for their dedicated service and sacrifices in safeguarding communities across the Commonwealth.
“The VSA Legislative Reception and Sheriffs’ Day are invaluable opportunities for sheriffs, deputies, and critical support staff to connect directly with our state leaders and advocate for the resources and support needed to keep our communities safe,” said VSA President Sheriff Brad Nunnally. “We’re grateful for the engagement of the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General, and legislators, and we look forward to continuing these vital conversations throughout the legislative session.”
The following morning, on January 15, 2025, sheriffs, deputies and staff convened for Sheriffs’ Legislative Day, an opportunity to engage directly with legislators and law enforcement professionals on critical issues facing Virginia’s law enforcement community.
During the event, VSA members focused on the 2025 legislative agenda, which includes key priorities including:
- A 9.3% regrade for dispatchers, ensuring localities provide the raise in addition to local supplements by July 1, 2025.
- An across-the-board 2% salary raise for deputies and non-sworn personnel, ensuring parity with other state employees.
- Full funding for one law enforcement deputy per 1,500 population as authorized by current law (§15.2-1609.1).
- Support of Governor Youngkin’s $35 million budget proposal to address the ECO and TDO initiative.
- Support for SB1274, which ensures due process rights for law enforcement officers.
“These legislative priorities reflect the pressing needs of our sheriffs’ offices to better serve their communities and ensure fairness for law enforcement personnel,” said John Jones, Executive Director of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association.
The day began with a breakfast meeting hosted by Lieutenant Governor Earle-Sears, where discussions focused on public safety and criminal justice priorities for the 2025 legislative session. Following breakfast, VSA members took to the halls of the General Assembly Building to meet with legislators, advocating for key issues impacting sheriffs’ offices statewide.
VSA continues to encourage its members to maintain open lines of communication with their legislators throughout the 2025 Virginia General Assembly session, ensuring the voices of Virginia’s law enforcement community are heard on matters of public safety.
Photos from the VSA Legislative Reception and Sheriffs’ Legislative Day are available HERE.
