OUR ADVOCACY

Birth in Color champions policy change through year-round advocacy, community organizing, and direct engagement with legislators, focusing on advancing reproductive justice, maternal health equity, and family support systems.

How to Advocate

  • 1. Learn About Bills

    Stay informed and up-to-date on policies advancing reproductive justice and maternal health equity using our bill tracker!

    Continue Reading

  • 2. Email Your Reps

    Make your voice heard by contacting legislators with our Email Template below, crafted to express support for key bills and initiatives.

    Send Email

  • 3. Read Full Agenda

    Dive deeper into the policies and initiatives we’re championing this year. Download our full agenda and see how you can support these critical efforts.

    Download PDF

Virginia Legislative Process

This visualization tracks the journey of a bill through Virginia's legislative process. Each colored bubble represents a different stage, from introduction to becoming law. Bills move through both chambers (House and Senate) and must pass multiple stages of review, debate, and voting. Follow each stage by hovering over the bubbles, or view detailed descriptions below.
  • Bill Introduced
    A legislator drafts and submits the bill for consideration.
  • Referred to Committee
    The bill is assigned to a standing committee for review.
  • Committee Consideration
    Hearings are held, discussions take place, and amendments may be proposed.
  • Committee Vote
    The committee votes to advance, amend, or table the bill.
  • Floor Debate & Vote (First Chamber)
    The full chamber debates the bill and votes on passage.
  • Crossover to Second Chamber
    By Crossover Day, the bill must pass its originating chamber to be considered by the other chamber.
  • Referred to Committee (Second Chamber)
    The bill is assigned to a relevant committee in the second chamber.
  • Committee Review (Second Chamber)
    The committee holds hearings, discusses, and votes on the bill.
  • Floor Debate & Vote (Second Chamber)
    The full second chamber debates and votes on the bill.
  • Conference Committee (if needed)
    If House and Senate versions differ, a joint committee negotiates a final version.
  • Final Approval by Both Chambers
    Both chambers must pass the identical final bill before it moves forward.
  • Enrolled & Sent to Governor
    The finalized bill is signed by chamber leaders and sent to the Governor for review.
  • Governor's Action
    The Governor can sign, amend, or allow the bill to become law without signature.
  • General Assembly Response to Amendments
    The General Assembly considers the Governor's amendments and votes on the final version.
  • Finalization & Filed into Law
    The bill is officially recorded and becomes law.
  • Failed Bills
    Bills that have been rejected in committee, during floor votes, or not acted upon before deadlines.
Bill Tracker