Below is a summary of key legislative activity from the week:Minimum Wage Increase (HB1)House Bill 1, introduced by Del. The bill was reported out of the House Labor and Commerce Committee on a 15–7 vote and now heads to the House Appropriations Committee for further consideration. The House Labor and Commerce Committee approved the measure on a 19–3 vote. The House Labor and Commerce Subcommittee #2 voted 5–2 to recommend reporting the bill and referring it to the Appropriations Committee. Absentee Voting Proposal Defeated (SB46)On the Senate side, Senate Bill 46, introduced by Sen. Christie New Craig, would have reduced Virginia’s absentee voting period from 45 days to 15 days before an election.