Archive for category Virginia’s News
Virginia Senate Shelves COVID Workers Comp Bill for Now
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 9, 2020
Should workers who get COVID-19 be eligible for workers’ compensation? As Michael Pope reports, lawmakers aren’t sure.
Bill Allowing Localities to Immediately Remove War Memorials Moves to State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 8, 2020
As the nation attempts to reckon with systemic racism, lawmakers in Virginia are moving to speed up the process of taking down Confederate monuments. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Paid Sick Days Proposal is Dead, but Virginia House Moving Forward With Quarantine Leave
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 8, 2020
Efforts to require paid sick days during the pandemic have already fallen apart in the Senate. But, efforts are moving forward in the House for a quarantine leave. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Adding Civil Penalty for Emergency Order Violations Passes State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
What happens if someone violates the governor’s executive order on the pandemic? Michael Pope reports.
Several Measures Move Forward, But Qualified Immunity Bill Dies in House
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
A suite of policing reform bills moved out of the state House Friday. But, a measure allowing civilians to sue on-duty officers for misconduct wasn’t one of them. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
New Poll: Broad Support for Paid Sick Day Policy Among Virginians
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 4, 2020
A new poll shows widespread support for paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.
You can find more information on the poll here.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Just How Much Power Should Civilian Review Boards Have?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 3, 2020
Should citizen review boards be able to crack down on bad cops? Michael Pope reports lawmakers are considering a bill that would allow that kind of power.
State Lawmakers Want to Ensure a Tuition Freeze Still Happens
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 3, 2020
Earlier this year, lawmakers set aside millions of dollars to freeze tuition rates. They shifted course and unallotted that money when COVID-19 cast a shadow of economic doubt, but now, a move to restore those funds has bipartisan support. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Virginia Senate Strikes Down COVID-19 Business Immunity Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 2, 2020
Credit: CDC
Should corporations be immune from lawsuits if customers contract COVID-19? Michael Pope reports.
Some State Lawmakers Worry Pandemic Could Stymie Civic Education Effort
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 1, 2020
The pandemic has played havoc with many aspects of education. Efforts to get high school students to register to vote are still moving forward, even though many schools are virtual. Michael Pope reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: House Committee Revives Effort to End Qualified Immunity
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 1, 2020
Delegate Jeff Bourne (D-Richmond)
The state’s special session over police reform took a turn Tuesday after members of the House Appropriations Committee revived a bill allowing citizens to sue law-enforcement officers for misconduct. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports the latest on the controversial move to end qualified immunity.
Budget Restraints Halt Some Policing Reforms in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Lawmakers are focused on reworking the budget and reforming police practices, but these issues aren’t mutually exclusive. Monday, members of the House budget committee weighed the costs of some of the criminal justice measures moving through their chamber. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Bill to Limit Pretextual Stops Advances in House and Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are moving forward with efforts to crack down on a controversial practice of pretextual policing. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Crime Commission Recommends Conviction Expungement System
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 31, 2020
Virginia is one of the few states where it’s almost impossible for someone to get rid of a conviction. But, that might be about to change. Michael Pope has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: Drop Box Funding Passes In Virginia House and Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 28, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a plan to spend $2 million to help voters cast ballots during the pandemic. But, critics say they are opening the door to vote harvesting and election fraud. Michael Pope has details.
State Lawmakers Working to Publicize Virginia Parole Board Votes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 27, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are debating ways to shed more sunlight on the actions of the Virginia Parole Board. Michael Pope has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: Drop Boxes Legislation Moves Forward in Virginia Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 27, 2020
Lawmakers in Richmond are considering a plan to fund drop boxes for ballots across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Moves Forward Bill Removing Mandatory Minimums Related to Police Assault
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2020
Mandatory minimum sentences have been controversial in Virginia since the 1990s, when many new mandatory minimums were added to the code. Now lawmakers are moving in the other direction. Michael Pope has details.
Guzman Bill Providing Paid Quarantine Leave Moves to House Appropriations Committee
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 26, 2020
Delegate Elizabeth Guzmán
Public health officials have recommended self-isolation for people who’ve come down with or come into contact with COVID-19. For many caregivers and workers, staying home means losing days or weeks of wages. Cat Modlin-Jackson has details.
Committee Kills Vaccine Opt-Out Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 25, 2020
Credit: CDC
What happens when a vaccine for COVID-19 comes online? Tuesday, Republican lawmakers pushed legislation that would’ve limited mandates on immunizations. Cat Modlin-Jackson has this report.
COVID-Altered Budget: Can State Lawmakers Squeeze in Funding for Clerk Positions?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
Some of Virginia’s understaffed courts won big earlier this year when legislators approved funding for new district clerk positions. But their gain was lost to pandemic budget freezes, leaving court administrators to struggle under the weight of a workload that’s only grown because of COVID-19. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Voting in a Pandemic: State Lawmakers Working to Establish Protections for November Election
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
With a little more than two months to go before the nation’s first pandemic presidential election, lawmakers in Virginia’s General Assembly are fast tracking a measure to establish socially-distant election protocols. Monday, members of the House of Delegates pushed full speed ahead. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Legislating in the Era of COVID: Zoom Meetings and Electronic Votes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 24, 2020
Republican Senate Minority Leader Tommy Norment says the Senate has never voted on anything virtually, and he warns it will be a “dangerous precedent” to start voting via Zoom during Monday’s Senate Finance & Appropriations Committee meeting.
Members of the Virginia Senate are joining the era of Zoom, voting electronically during a special session. Michael Pope reports.
ICE Facilities Could Be Subject to Virginia Regulators Under Boysko Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 21, 2020
State Senator Jennifer Boysko (Credit: Senate of Virginia)
State regulators may be on their way to inspect detention centers holding people accused of violating immigration laws.
Michael Pope reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Should Juries Still Hand Down Sentences in Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 20, 2020
Senator Joe Morrissey (D-Richmond) arguing in favor of the bill ahead of a long weekend break of the special session.
The state Senate is breaking from the Special Session for a long weekend. But, before they left Richmond, they moved a sentencing reform effort forward. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Weigh Options to Help Relieve Eviction Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 20, 2020
Credit: NPR
The economic fallout of COVID-19 has amplified Virginia’s eviction crisis, leaving lawmakers to negotiate a solution that would keep both tenants and landlords from going under. Members of the House and Senate have proposed rules mandating payment agreements, but they’re not entirely on the same page. Cat Modlin-Jackson has the story.
Several Criminal Justice Reform Bills Quickly Pass Through Senate Panel
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 19, 2020
Lawmakers are back in Richmond, and they’re already taking action on reforming policing. Michael Pope reports.
COVID-19 Prompts Cuts to Education in Revised Northam Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 19, 2020
Governor Northam’s revised budget bill proposes cuts for education and a boost to Medicaid spending. But, the loss for schools isn’t necessarily a gain for healthcare. Cat Modlin-Jackson reports.
Here’s the full report from the Commonwealth Institute.
Lucas Charges Had Lawmakers Buzzing on First Day of Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 18, 2020
President Pro Tempore of the Senate Louise Lucas
moves that the Senate adjourn until, ending the chamber’s first day of special session. Lucas has been the center of attention this week because the Portsmouth Police Department
is charging her with “injury” to a Confederate monument (Credit: Michael Pope)
As lawmakers arrived in Richmond for a special session to rewrite the budget and adopt criminal justice reform, lawmakers are buzzing about one of their own members charged with a felony. Michael Pope has the story.
State Lawmakers to Take Another Crack at Paid Sick Days Proposal
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 17, 2020
Credit: NPR
Earlier this year, lawmakers considered and rejected a proposal to require employers offer paid sick days. Lawmakers will be considering it again during a special session this week. Michael Pope reports.
In the Age of COVID-19, Should Every Virginia School Have a Nurse?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 17, 2020
Credit: Wellness GM / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/130100316@N04/15728773073/
School systems across Virginia are trying to figure out how they can reopen for face-to-face classes. And, they might be getting some help from lawmakers. Michael Pope reports.
Wastewater, Runoff from Stormwater, Agriculture Slow Chesapeake Bay Cleanup
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 13, 2020
Virginians are heading to the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries for a break from the COVID-19 pandemic – fishing, kayaking, and swimming. Throughout the summer pollution closes access to some of those waters. The Chesapeake Bay Foundation took a critical look at whether Virginia is meeting pollution reduction goals. Pamela D’Angelo reports.
Here is the full CBF report.
COVID-19 Prompting At Least One State Lawmaker to Rethink License Ceremonies
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2020
Credit: NPR
The pandemic has upended many aspects of day to day life, including teenagers who get their first driver’s license. And as Michael Pope tells us, lawmakers are considering upending a long-standing tradition.
Susan Bro Reflects on Progress Since Her Daughter’s Death
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 11, 2020
Susan Bro, director of the Heather Heyer Foundation, continues her fight against racism and violence in America. (Credit: RADIO IQ)
As the nation marks the third anniversary of a violent white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, the mother of a woman killed during Unite the Right is reflecting on small steps forward and work that still needs to be done. Sandy Hausman reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Should Lawmakers Implement a Court Fee Moratorium?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2020
Lawmakers are about to arrive in Richmond to start considering a number of criminal justice reforms. One issue that might be on the agenda is a moratorium on court fines and fees. Michael Pope reports.
Senate Democrats Unveil Policing Reform Proposals Ahead of Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 6, 2020
As a special session approaches later this month, Senate Democrats are preparing their proposal to reform police agencies across Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
Comparing Virginia’s Unemployment with Other Localities Across the Country
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2020
Credit: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Unemployment in Virginia is currently at 8.4%. That’s a dramatic increase since the pandemic hit. But, metropolitan areas in Virginia are actually doing significantly better than many other cities across the country. Michael Pope reports.
Balancing the Budget: How Should Virginia Handle Economic Situation Amid the Pandemic?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 4, 2020
Lawmakers are headed back to Richmond this month to put together a new budget, one that takes into account the new economic situation presented by the pandemic. And, they’ll be considering a number of proposals for raising new revenue. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Face Even More Calls to Transform Police Ahead of Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 3, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are headed to Richmond later this month to consider a host of criminal justice reform efforts. And, they’ll be under intense pressure to take action. Michael Pope reports.
Black Virginians Are Facing a New Onslaught of Job Losses
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 30, 2020
As the economy opens back up in Virginia, some groups are faring better than others. Michael Pope reports.
Northam Puts More Restrictions on Hampton Roads
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 28, 2020
Governor Northam during his Tuesday, July 28th COVID-19 press conference.
State officials are taking additional steps to combat a surge of COVID-19 in Hampton Roads. Nick Gilmore has details.
An Eastern Shore Community and Its Confederate Monument
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 27, 2020
The Confederate monument in Parksley was installed in 1899.
Local governments across Virginia are taking steps to bring down Confederate statues. But, one community on the Eastern Shore is taking a different approach. Michael Pope reports.
Criminal Justice Reforms: Should Lawmakers Ban Nighttime Warrants?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 24, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond and consider a host of criminal justice reforms. As Michael Pope reports, one of those would prohibit law enforcement officers from executing warrants at night.
COVID-19 and Virginia’s Department of Motor Vehicles
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2020
The Virginia DMV is encouraging citizens to conduct as much business as they can online. (Credit: Virginia DMV)
Before the pandemic, the Department of Motor Vehicles was the poster child for a slow-moving bureaucracy. Now, as Michael Pope reports frustrations are mounting.
As the Pandemic Continues, Should Next Month’s Special Session Go Virtual?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2020
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a special session to reconsider the budget and take up criminal-justice reform efforts. They’ll probably be there in-person, although Michael Pope reports some House members are pushing for a virtual session.
Mandatory Minimum Sentences Could Be on the Chopping Block Next Month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 21, 2020
Credit: NPR
Lawmakers will consider a number of criminal justice reforms during a special session next month. As Michael Pope reports, one will be getting rid of mandatory minimums.
State Lawmakers Could Weigh How Much Power Prosecutors Have Next Month
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2020
As lawmakers consider criminal justice reform during the special session next month, not all the changes will be directed at police. Some important changes may also be on the horizon for the courts. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Must Balance Budget Amidst COVID: What Does that Mean for Legislative Priorities?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
Credit: NPR
As lawmakers prepare to go back to Richmond and put together a revised budget, they’ll be confronting a number of difficult decisions. Michael Pope has this report about one of those decisions involving maternal mortality.
The Paradox of a Rural County: Few Cases of COVID but a Big Economic Impact
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
The Omni Homestead employs 700 people in Bath County. It closed for three months due to COVID, reopening in late June. (Credit: Omni Homestead)
While the COVID-19 pandemic has largely spared rural Virginia, the economies of many communities have taken a big hit. That’s clearly the case in Bath County – a tourist mecca on the West Virginia border where meal and lodging taxes dropped dramatically and unemployment rose to more than 20%. Sandy Hausman paid a visit and filed this report.
And in this report, Sandy Hausman details how locals in Bath County are still hopeful, and how a creative spirit is spreading as they find ways to survive the economic downturn.
Checking in With Virginia’s Latinx Community Following Passage of Workplace Safety Rules
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2020
Liz Zavala at her job in Harrisonburg. (Credit: Cat Modlin-Jackson)
In May, we brought you the story of a Mexican-American woman whose family was deeply impacted by the spread of COVID-19 in poultry plants. Cat Modlin-Jackson checked in with Liz Zavala after Virginia became the first state to pass mandatory workplace safety rules amidst the pandemic.
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