By Republican Senator Calls for Investigation
Republican state Sen. Bryce Reeves of Spotsylvania has prefiled a resolution asking the Virginia Senate to investigate Democratic Sen. Louise Lucas of Portsmouth over federal cannabis-related charges. Reeves filed Senate Resolution 173 on October 30 for the 2027 General Assembly session, which begins in January.
The measure would direct the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections to examine the allegations behind five federal charges against Lucas. Those charges include racketeering, marijuana distribution, money laundering and honest-services fraud conspiracies, and maintaining drug-involved premises.
Federal prosecutors accused Lucas of using her legislative influence to benefit a cannabis business she co-owns. Lucas, who serves as the Senate’s president pro tempore, did not respond to an inquiry from The Mercury seeking comment.
Reeves told The Mercury that the Senate has a responsibility to investigate possible misconduct independently of the criminal proceedings. He said his proposal was motivated by that obligation and concerns about financial disclosures, not personal animosity toward Lucas.
“She’s innocent until proven guilty, but there is enough circumstantial evidence, I think, that the Senate needs to investigate and figure out what’s going on,” Reeves told The Mercury. “If we can’t police our own house, what does that say about us as an institution?”
What the Resolution Would Do
The resolution could set the stage for a separate vote on expulsion, though it acknowledges Lucas’s presumption of innocence. It calls for any disciplinary action to be based on committee findings “supported by evidence.”
Under the proposal, the committee would seek recordings, transcripts, financial and ownership records, economic interest disclosures and legislative documents. Senators would examine whether the alleged conduct violated Virginia’s marijuana distribution laws or the General Assembly Conflict of Interests Act.
The resolution singled out two conversations cited in the indictment. In one, Lucas allegedly discussed making past marijuana-related conduct legal; in another, prosecutors allege, she discussed disqualifying a prospective marijuana license applicant until money owed to her was repaid.
The resolution calls for reviewing the underlying recordings and other evidence to determine the statements’ authenticity, context and legal significance. It cautions against treating the indictment or statements quoted in it as proof of guilt or a violation of state law.
Reeves pointed to allegations that Lucas failed to disclose business interests on required financial filings. He said her role as chair of the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee made scrutiny particularly important because of its responsibility for the state budget.
Next Steps in the Senate
The committee would hold hearings as needed, provide procedural protections and report its findings and recommendations to the Senate. Any proposed disciplinary action would require another resolution specifying the action, with options including reprimand, censure or expulsion.
Under the Virginia Constitution, expelling a senator requires a two-thirds vote of the chamber’s elected membership 27 votes in the 40-member Senate. The committee could also recommend referring the matter to the attorney general.
