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Henry County adopts 2025 legislative agenda, prioritizes local control on solar and state support for fire and EMS
Summary
Henry County supervisors approved a 2025 legislative agenda urging protection of local land-use authority on solar siting, support for May River State Park planning, and state funding for local fire and EMS following a 2023 study; board directed staff to forward the agenda to state legislators.
Henry County supervisors unanimously approved a 2025 legislative agenda on Nov. 26 that lists land-use, recreation and public-safety priorities the county will press during the 2025 Virginia General Assembly.
Heidi Hertz, representing the county’s legislative team, told supervisors the short session will begin Jan. 8 and may move quickly. She flagged a recurring state-level proposal to limit local authority over solar development — often described as a "ban on bans" — which she said would require localities to hear solar cases up to a specified threshold rather than allow a local prohibition. "We know that there will be additional legislation put forward to limit local boards of supervisors authority, to limit, solar development," Hertz said.
The county’s priorities also include securing funding for May River State Park. Hertz said the Department of Conservation and Recreation included the park in its budget request, asking for money for master planning and staff (four FTEs and one-time costs). The board signaled support for continued outreach to the governor’s office and state agencies to pursue those funds.
Supervisors also emphasized public-safety funding and pointed to the 2023 study tied to House Bill 2175 recommending a dedicated funding stream for fire and EMS. A board member said, "Public safety first," and urged the county’s delegation to press for state budget support or a budget amendment to implement the study’s recommendations.
The board passed a motion to approve the legislative agenda and to send it to Henry County’s delegates and senators; staff said the final draft will be posted to the county website and mailed to the delegation.
