On Tuesday evening, February 10, 2026, Governor Abigail Spanberger, Attorney General Jay Jones, Commonwealth agency leaders, and members of the General Assembly joined the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association (VSA) for its annual Legislative Reception in Richmond, officially kicking off Sheriffs’ Legislative Day at the State Capitol. The event welcomed 150 sheriffs, deputy sheriffs, legislative partners, and distinguished guests from across the Commonwealth.
During the reception, Governor Spanberger and Attorney General Jones expressed their appreciation for the service and professionalism of Virginia’s sheriffs, deputies, and support staff, recognizing their essential role in protecting communities and upholding public safety.
“The VSA Legislative Reception and Sheriffs’ Legislative Day provide a critical forum for direct dialogue between sheriffs and state leaders,” said Sheriff Antionette Irving, President of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. “These conversations matter. They ensure that the realities facing sheriffs’ offices are understood and that public safety decisions are informed by those doing the work every day. We are grateful for the engagement of our state leadership and the opportunity to advocate for our communities.”
On Wednesday morning, February 11, sheriffs, deputies, and staff gathered for Sheriffs’ Legislative Day, beginning with a breakfast hosted by Lieutenant Governor Ghazala Hashmi. Following breakfast, VSA members met with legislators in the General Assembly Building to discuss public safety and criminal justice priorities for the 2026 legislative session.
During Legislative Day, VSA members focused on key 2026 budget and policy priorities, including:
- Opposition to collective bargaining for sheriffs’ offices, recognizing that sheriffs do not levy taxes and rely entirely on state funding and local supplements. Collective bargaining would reduce local law enforcement capacity, undermine at-will employment, and hinder accountability within sheriffs’ offices.
- Funding for 71 additional sworn law enforcement positions to bring each sheriff’s office with primary law enforcement duties to a minimum of ten deputies. >> $3.9 million. Included in the Governor’s proposed budget.
- Funding for 18 unsworn administrative support positions to ensure every sheriff’s office has at least one dedicated administrative position. >> $700,000. Included in the Governor’s proposed budget.
- Continued investment in recruitment and retention, including competitive pay and access to affordable health care for deputies and support staff.
“These priorities reflect the operational realities facing sheriffs’ offices across Virginia,” said John W. Jones, Executive Director of the Virginia Sheriffs’ Association. “Sheriffs are responsible for delivering critical public safety services. Our legislative agenda is focused on maintaining safe staffing levels, preserving accountability, and ensuring that deputies and staff are supported so they can continue serving their communities effectively.”
VSA encourages its members to continue engaging with their legislators throughout the 2026 Virginia General Assembly session to ensure the voices of sheriffs, deputies, and the communities they serve remain central to public safety policymaking.
Photos from the VSA Legislative Reception and Sheriffs’ Legislative Day are available HERE.
