As we enter the autumn season, activity revolving around the upcoming General Assembly legislative session has begun in earnest. State commissions that have met throughout the summer have started to prepare mandated reports on a number of issues that may require legislative intervention, such as autonomous vehicles, the operation of All-Terrain Vehicles/Utility Terrain Vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) on public roadways for tourism enhancement, and much more. Advocacy groups have also begun meeting to ensure that General Assembly members are aware of their positions on important issues in advance of the 2027 legislative session.
As mentioned in past columns, I am a member of the Autonomous Vehicles Workgroup, which was convened by the Chair of the House Committee on Transportation to consider how autonomous/driverless vehicles may be regulated on the Commonwealth’s roadways. There are many variables to consider, including things like: should personal or commercial vehicles be prioritized? How will liability work in the event of an accident? How will autonomous vehicles impact the future transportation workforce? While Virginia is still very much in the preliminary stages of considering many of these questions, it appears likely that early attempts to regulate this technology will focus on commercial applications rather than personal vehicles.
Continuing on the topic of workgroups, another was convened this summer to study the possibility that certain roads in Giles and Pulaski counties could be used for ATV/UTV travel. This group was brought together as a result of my HB 587 from the 2026 legislative session. My initial legislation would have allowed the Boards of Supervisors in Giles and Pulaski counties to designate certain roads as eligible for ATV/UTV travel – the main purpose being increased outdoor tourism and better access to our region’s extensive trail system. The bill was amended by House Democrats to a study, and the Virginia Department of Transportation will be releasing a report to the House Committee on Transportation within the next several weeks with its findings. To this point, some of the state agencies involved have invoked safety concerns as a reason that they cannot support my legislation as it was submitted. While I agree that ATV/UTV operation can be dangerous, many risks can be mitigated by responsible conduct.
ATV operation on designated public roadways is already allowed in Buchanan and Tazewell counties through Virginia Code, and the Southwest Regional Recreation Authority (SRRA) reports that nearly $7 million was spent by visitors to the Spearhead Trails system in that region.
I want the localities in our area to see an increased benefit from ATV/UTV tourism, and I want residents to benefit from exploring the outdoors. I see this idea as being a win-win for regional economic development and quality of life.
As mentioned earlier, advocacy groups have begun holding meetings in advance of the 2027 legislative session to share their priorities with state lawmakers. One such organization is the Virginia Farm Bureau, and I always enjoy meeting with the local chapters of the Farm Bureau here in the New River Valley. Our region has a rich history of agriculture, and the industry continues to be an important driver of our economy.
I share many of the same priorities with Farm Bureau members, to include preserving local land control as it relates to utility scale solar. Farmers do not want Richmond lawmakers to take away productive farmland and pave it over with solar panels, and I agree.
Another issue is the availability of large-animal veterinarians that are so important to maintaining healthy livestock. I look forward to hearing more from our local Farm Bureau chapters and other advocacy groups as we move closer to the 2027 session!
As the Delegate representing the 42nd House District in the Virginia General Assembly, your concerns are my greatest priority. If ever I may be of assistance to you and your family, please do not hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected]. You can also follow me on Twitter @JasonBallardVA or like my Facebook page, Jason Ballard for Delegate, to keep up to date with what I am doing in Richmond and in our community on your behalf.
