Posts Tagged General Assembly 2021

Legislation Ending Session Immunity for State Lawmakers Dies in Senate Committee

Elected officials like to tell voters they’re just like everybody else. But, they actually have immunity from prosecution during the General Assembly session. Michael Pope has details.

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Bill Requiring Absentee Ballots to be Recorded in Precincts Where Voters Live Moves Forward

As more and more voters move toward absentee voting, important data about the geography of elections is not being collected. Michael Pope reports on an effort to fix that problem.

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House of Delegates Set to Vote on Marijuana Legalization Friday

Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Last year, Virginia decriminalized the possession of marijuana. Thursday, the House of Delegates discussed the issues involved with legalizing it. Jahd Khalil reports.

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Virginia Senate Passes Death Penalty Abolition Bill

Virginia has executed more people for a longer period of time than any other state. But, that’s about to change. Michael Pope reports.

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Bill Adding More Transparency to New Redistricting Commission Advances

Last year was a census year. That means this year Virginia is redrawing legislative districts. And a piece of legislation seeks to add transparency, and accessibility, to the process. Jahd Khalil reports.

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Criminal Justice Reform: Should Virginia Remove Presumptions Against Bail?

State Senator Creigh Deeds (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

Lawmakers are talking about a number of ways to reform the criminal justice system. And, one way is to change how the cash bail system works. Michael Pope reports.

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The Legislative Effort to Make Environmental Justice Part of Virginia’s Code

Last year Virginia enacted the Virginia Environmental Justice Act. It made environmental justice the policy of the Commonwealth. Jahd Khalil has more on a bill to put it into action in each level of government.

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Drop Boxes and Mail-In Ballots: Should Pandemic-Related Election Changes Be Permanent?

Many of the pandemic-related changes to Virginia elections might end up being permanent. Michael Pope explains why.

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Effort to End Qualified Immunity Shelved This Session, Likely to Become Campaign Issue

Lawmakers are rejecting efforts to end qualified immunity for police officers. Michael Pope reports.

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Ending the Death Penalty: What Financial Impacts Could Virginia See?

Lawmakers are considering legislation to abolish the death penalty in Virginia. Michael Pope reports on the potential financial implications.

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Effort to Abolish the Panic Defense in Virginia Clears Hurdle in House of Delegates

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would create new protections for people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Weigh the Very Nuanced Issue of Conviction Expungement

Lawmakers are trying to work their way through a number of complicated issues this year. One of the most nuanced issues this year is how to expunge old convictions. Michael Pope has details.

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Should Guns Be Allowed at Virginia’s Capitol Square?

Credit: VA Capitol Police Twitter Page; @VaCapitolPolice

Rising concern over the safety of lawmakers and the public is causing lawmakers to reconsider where guns are allowed near the state Capitol. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Senators Censure Amanda Chase

State Senator Amanda Chase (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

Members of the Virginia Senate are taking action to censure one of their own. Michael Pope reports.

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Virginia Senate to Decide Fate of Paid Sick Days Legislation

As the pandemic continues to grip Virginia, lawmakers are debating paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.

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Bill Adding Additional Scrutiny for Precinct Decisions Advances

Lawmakers are considering several changes to how elections work in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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‘Right to Appeal’ Legislation Clears One Hurdle in Virginia Senate

Lawmakers in Virginia are considering a proposal that would make a major change to the legal system in Virginia. Michael Pope has details.

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Bill Ditching Signature Requirement for Absentee Ballots Passes State Senate

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would ditch the signature requirement for absentee ballots. Michael Pope has details.

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Debate Over Mandatory Minimum Sentences Pops Up Again in Richmond

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would transform how sentencing works in Virginia. Michael Pope has details.

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Homegrown Marijuana Provision Remains in Legalization Legislation

Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Lawmakers in Richmond are debating a bill that would legalize marijuana, and not just at the neighborhood store. As Michael Pope reports, people would be able to grow pot at home.

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Legislation Allowing Small Town EDA’s to Skip Public Disclosure Moves Forward in Richmond

Lawmakers are debating a way to prevent disclosure of potential conflicts of interest in economic development boards. Michael Pope explains.

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Virginia School Divisions Could Get Some Help with Expanding Broadband Access

School divisions across Virginia are struggling to make sure they have the kind of broadband connections necessary for distance learning. Michael Pope reports on a bill in the General Assembly that might help.

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Bill Moving May Local Elections to November Advances to House of Delegates

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would move all local elections from May to November. Michael Pope reports.

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Effort to Censure State Senator Amanda Chase Moves Forward

State Senator Amanda Chase (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

Members of the Virginia state Senate are taking action to censure a senator who spoke at the rally that led to the attack on the Capitol. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Trying to Iron Out Fine Details of Potential Marijuana Legalization

Credit: U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Lawmakers may be on the verge of legalizing marijuana in Virginia. But, they need to wrestle with some thorny issues first. Michael Pope reports.

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Bill Seeking to Expand Health Insurance Coverage for Abortion Services Advances

A bill that expands insurance coverage of abortion services is moving forward in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.

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Effort to Shut Down Virginia’s Only Private Prison Dies an Early Death in Richmond

The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is the only privately-operated prison in Virginia. (Credit: geogroup.com)

Lawmakers are rejecting an effort to abolish private prisons in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.

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Suetterlein Bill Meant to Provide More Flexibility for Schools, Not Kill Snow Days

State Senator David Suetterlein (Credit: Senate of Virginia)

After the pandemic is over, schools across Virginia might end up continuing some version of virtual education. Michael Pope reports.

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2021 Session Starts with Familiar Debate Over Abortion Legislation

Lawmakers are back in session, and they’re debating a familiar topic of disagreement: abortion. Michael Pope reports.

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The 2021 General Assembly Session is Now Underway

Lawmakers are back in session at the General Assembly for a session unlike any other. Michael Pope reports.

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Taking a Look at What to Expect from the 2021 General Assembly Session

Lawmakers are about to begin the 2021 General Assembly session. They’re already at odds with each other over how long the session will last. Michael Pope has that story.

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One State Senator’s Push to Close Virginia’s Only Private Prison

The Lawrenceville Correctional Center is Virginia’s only privately-operated prison facility. (Credit: geogroup.com)

State lawmakers are about to consider a bill that would outlaw private prisons. Michael Pope reports.

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Could a Proposal to Add Paid Sick Days Make it Through This Year’s General Assembly Session?

Lawmakers are about to begin a new General Assembly session, and resume an ongoing debate over paid sick days. Michael Pope reports.

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Some State Republicans Want to “Sunset” Any Legislation Passed During a Virtual Session

Credit: NPR

Lawmakers are about to begin the 2021 session of the General Assembly, and Republicans are not happy about meeting virtually. Michael Pope reports.

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General Assembly to Consider New Legal Requirements for Farm Workers

Credit: Dave McLear / Flickr, Creative Commons: flickr.com/photos/dmclear/4935228492/in/photolist-8w7kuq-oDFm1Q-osGy9p-cYZbSm-oiNbpf-oMsucd-88iv6e-p3YcNH-QZJEVX-fA1Kou-5jhfU6-f8MABz-6W5mfc-8KEUz4-8C5pCb-aQ1KPi-KzL5st-AZaxJL-2MThFW-5aqUwM-nTqEnD-Vh55GJ

Later this month, lawmakers in Richmond will consider a bill meant to help farm workers. Michael Pope has the story.

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State Lawmakers to Consider School Nurses Definition Later this Month

Credit: NPR

As public schools are working towards a potential reopening in 2021, lawmakers are taking a look at school nurses. Michael Pope reports.

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A Change to Virginia’s Excise Peanut Tax Could Be on the Table Next Month

As lawmakers are preparing for the upcoming General Assembly session, they’re considering one bill aimed at an important staple of Virginia’s agriculture sector. Michael Pope explains.

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An Increase to the Minimum Wage in Virginia Currently Doesn’t Apply to All Workers

Earlier this year, lawmakers passed an increase to the minimum wage in Virginia. But there’s one group of low-wage workers who won’t see an increase. Michael Pope reports.

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Right to Appeal or Court Packing? A Look at the Move to Expand Virginia’s Court of Appeals

Virginia’s Court of Appeals currently has 11 members. Some lawmakers, including Governor Ralph Northam, want to expand that number to 15. (Credit: Court of Appeals of Virginia website)

Lawmakers are about to consider a proposal to expand the appeals court in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.

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Cutting Carbon: Should Virginia Join the Transportation and Climate Initiative?

Virginia is working with several other states to cut carbon emissions. But, the Commonwealth is not part of a new compact of states raising revenue to take action. Michael Pope reports.

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Northam Outlines Proposals for Two-Year Budget, Kicking off the Third Budget Process This Year

Lawmakers at the General Assembly will take a look at the state’s budget next month — and they got a proposed blueprint from the governor Wednesday. Michael Pope reports.

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State Lawmakers Face Unique Challenge With Doling Out Education Funding Next Year

Lawmakers will return to Richmond next month – and writing a new budget will be a priority. But, they’ll have to answer some questions about what kind of assumptions they want to make about schools. Michael Pope reports.

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