Posts Tagged General Assembly
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.
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.
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.
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.
State Democrats Split Over Paid Sick Days
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 15, 2020
As members of the General Assembly prepare to return to Richmond next month, many of them are looking for a way to make sure workers in Virginia get sick days. Michael Pope reports.
The State’s Felony Larceny Threshold Goes Up This Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 30, 2020
This week, a number of new laws will go into effect, including an increase to Virginia’s felony larceny threshold. Michael Pope has this preview.
Localities Stepping Up to Provide Paid Leave for Employees
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 25, 2020
Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond in August to write a new budget and consider a host of criminal justice reforms. And, they’ll also be considering paid leave. Michael Pope reports.
Could a “Digital Tax” Be on the Way for Virginia?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 15, 2020
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a special session, and they’ll be looking for ways to fund criminal justice reform during an economic crisis. Michael Pope has this report about one possible new source of money.
Virginia Schools Face Another Financial Crisis Thanks to COVID-19 and Economic Woes
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 10, 2020
In August, lawmakers will return to Richmond for a special session, and money for schools will be one of the key areas they’ll focus on. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers on Both Sides of the Aisle Call for Criminal Justice Reform
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on June 1, 2020
Credit: NPR
The death of George Floyd in Minneapolis and the protests across the country has lawmakers in Virginia considering criminal justice reform. And, there’s already some bipartisan agreement emerging during this time of crisis. Michael Pope reports.
How Much is Too Much for Virginia’s New Democratic Majority?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 8, 2019
Democrats haven’t controlled the House of Delegates for 20 years, so they have a long list of agenda items for the upcoming General Assembly session. (Credit: Michael Pope)
Democrats have a long list of agenda items they want to tackle when the next General Assembly gavels into session. But, they are going to have to think carefully about what they want to accomplish and when. Michael Pope reports.
Following a Big Night for Democrats, Governor Northam Looks Ahead
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Governor Ralph Northam addresses members of his cabinet following Tuesday’s statehouse elections. He outlined some of his key priorities for the General Assembly, which Democrats now control for the first time in decades. (Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ)
Now that Democrats have unified power in Virginia, they’re looking forward to their legislative agenda. Governor Ralph Northam laid out his priorities at a cabinet meeting Wednesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
The Democratic governor believes his party’s gains on Election Night were largely powered by voters who want common-sense gun laws.
Northam said he plans to push the same gun safety laws he proposed during a special session of the General Assembly earlier this year – a direct response to a May mass shooting in Virginia Beach. Here he is talking about some of those proposals:
Republicans dismissed that special session almost immediately – without deliberating gun safety proposals from Northam and other lawmakers.
The true test for how progressive this new agenda will be comes in January — when the first Democratic-led General Assembly in decades convenes in Richmond.
Democrats Now Reign Supreme in Northern Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on November 6, 2019
Credit: NPR
Tuesday’s election swept Democrats into power in both chambers of the General Assembly. But, it also wiped Republicans off the map in Northern Virginia. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at Some Million-Dollar State Senate Races
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 30, 2019
Voters from across Virginia will head to the polls next week in high-stakes races for the state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at their fundraising efforts.
National Interest in Virginia’s Statehouse Elections is Drawing Big Fundraising Numbers
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 29, 2019
Credit: NPR
New campaign-finance numbers show certain races for the House of Delegates attracting outsized interest and campaign cash. Michael Pope reports.
Fairfax Scandal Could Soon Play a Role In General Assembly Campaigns
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
Credit: Creative Commons
The sexual assault scandal surrounding Lieutenant Governor Justin Fairfax has now become part of the election campaign for the General Assembly this year. Michael Pope reports.
Will Higher Interest Lead to Higher Turnout on Election Day?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 28, 2019
It’s election season, but many voters are not tuned into their local races for House of Delegates and state Senate. Michael Pope has this look at what that means for turnout.
Online Advertising Continues to Be An Important Tool for Virginia Candidates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 24, 2019
Credit: NPR
If you’ve been on Facebook or YouTube lately, you might have noticed something about an election here in Virginia. Michael Pope explains why.
A Look at This Year’s General Assembly Political Ads
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
A screenshot from the “Chasing Chase” ad. It’s from a California-based political action committee known as Fund Her. (Credit: Fund Her)
If you’ve spent any time in front of a television or a laptop recently, you’ve probably noticed it’s campaign season. Michael Pope reports.
Census Data: Older Virginians Maintain a Significant Influence Over Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 23, 2019
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Credit: U.S. Census Bureau
Voters will head to the polls next month for General Assembly seats all over Virginia, although not all age groups are expected to participate at the same rates. Michael Pope reports.
Va Sec. of Finance Warns Lawmakers to Be ‘Cautious’ with Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 22, 2019
Credit: NPR
In a briefing in Richmond Monday, Virginia’s Secretary of Finance Aubrey Layne told state lawmakers that revenues aren’t keeping pace with expenditures. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
What State Senate and House of Delegates Races Will Be the Most Noteworthy?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Credit: NPR
Voters will be headed to the polls next month in elections for every seat in the General Assembly. Michael Pope has this preview of some competitive House of Delegates races.
All 40 seats of the Virginia state Senate will also be on the ballot next month, but just like in the House, some seats have little or no competition. Here’s a look at some of the more competitive races in the House.
New Legislative Maps Are Now in Effect; How Will They Impact November’s Statehouse Elections?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 18, 2019
Earlier this year, federal judges created new maps for 11 House of Delegates districts in Virginia. Michael Pope reports on what that means for this year’s elections.
TV Ad Buys Are Heating Up with Election Day Around the Corner
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 16, 2019
Credit: NPR
As Election Day approaches, some races are eating up time on the TV airwaves. Michael Pope reports.
One Group Wants Virginia Candidates to Disclose Where Their Contributions Come From
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 14, 2019
Credit: NPR
One watchdog group is worried about government ethics in Virginia. And, it’s challenging candidates for the General Assembly to do something about it. Michael Pope reports.
State Education Officials to Consider Making School Funding More Equitable
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on October 8, 2019
Credit: Pascal Volk / Flickr
Is the way Virginia funds its schools equitable? That’s a topic up for debate in Richmond. Michael Pope reports.
One Virginia Candidate Has Accepted A Massive Campaign Donation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 25, 2019
Delegate Nick Freitas (Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons)
Running for office isn’t cheap, especially when the stakes are as high as they are this year. But one very large campaign contribution is raising eyebrows across Virginia. Michael Pope is following the money.
The Impact of Small-Dollar Donations in Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 24, 2019
Credit: NPR
Candidates often brag about the amount of money they’ve pulled in. But, sometimes a campaign is known more for the amount of donors. Michael Pope reports.
Summer Fundraising Helps Several Democrats Pull Ahead of Their Republican Rivals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 20, 2019
Credit: Virginia Public Access Project
Campaign finance numbers from the summer show Democrats pulled ahead of Republicans in several campaigns for the General Assembly. Michael Pope is following the money.
The Growing Influence of Hispanic Voters in Virginia Elections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 17, 2019
Credit: NPR
This month is Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to reflect on the contribution Hispanic voters have made to Virginia politics. Michael Pope reports.
With Deadlines Approaching, Campaigns Use Different Tricks to Influence Finance Disclosures
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on September 16, 2019
Candidates for the General Assembly are facing a key deadline this week for campaign finance. Michael Pope is following the money.
This Year’s Election Could Have Impacts on FMLA and Sick Leave in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 23, 2019
When can employees take time off? And how much time should they get to leave work? Lawmakers are expected to consider these questions next year, and the results will depend on what happens during this year’s election. Michael Pope reports.
Public, Interest Groups Weigh In On Guns At Crime Commission
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 20, 2019
Credit: Mallory Noe-Payne / RADIO IQ
Virginia’s State Crime Commission heard hours of public testimony Tuesday – all on gun violence. As Mallory Noe-Payne reports, comments are falling along expected lines, but there is one emerging point of consensus.
Virginia Incumbents and Their Challengers Often Have More in Common Than Meets the Eye
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 14, 2019
Credit: NPR
Who are the people running against all those incumbent members of the Virginia General Assembly this year? And just how rich are they? Michael Pope reports.
With Republicans in Washington Considering Gun Control, Will the Virginia GOP Follow Suit?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 12, 2019
Are Republicans in Virginia on the verge of moving their position on gun control? Michael Pope reports.
Elections Board Denies GOP Another Chance in Central Virginia District
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 6, 2019
Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons
Virginia’s Board of Elections will not allow Republican Delegate Nick Freitas on the ballot this November. That decision came during a board meeting Tuesday. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
‘We Will Win It’ Says GOP Delegate Who Missed Filing Deadline
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 1, 2019
Republican Delegate Nick Freitas (Credit: BingBong321 / Creative Commons)
A GOP state lawmaker says he’s willing to step aside as a candidate, if it means voters in his district can get a Republican on the ballot. The election in central Virginia could impact party control of the statehouse. Mallory Noe-Payne reports.
Trump and Other Leaders Celebrate 400th Anniversary of American Democracy at Jamestown
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 30, 2019
Citing what he called “four incredible centuries of history, “President Donald Trump closed out Tuesday’s ceremony in Jamestown, celebrating in the same place where the legislative body first met. Jeff Bossert reports.
A Look Back at the Virginia Colony in 1619
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 29, 2019
A map of the Colony of Virginia, drafted by Dutch cartographer Willem Blaeu.
A number of events are scheduled to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the first General Assembly session on July 30th, 1619.
Michael Pope has this look at what was happening at the time.
When it Comes to Small-Dollar Donations, Democrats Are Out-Raising Republicans
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 25, 2019
Campaign-finance disclosures show business groups and corporations are donating to Republican incumbents in this year’s General Assembly races. But, Democrats are leading in smaller donations. Michael Pope reports.
Big Spenders Don’t Always Win Elections, But They Win Quite Often
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 24, 2019
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
For candidates trying to get elected, spending money isn’t everything. But as Michael Pope reports, it’s often a sign of success.
Some Incumbents Facing Stiff Fundraising Challenges from Opponents
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 17, 2019
Credit: NPR
The latest round of campaign-finance documents are shedding new light on the contours of Election 2019. Michael Pope is looking at the numbers.
Special Session Demonstrates Issues with Guns in Public Spaces
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 10, 2019
Lawmakers are returning home to their districts this week after a special session on gun control empty handed. Michael Pope reports Republicans blocked all reform efforts, even ones suggested by Republicans.
What to Expect From This Week’s Special Legislative Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2019
Credit: MBandman / Creative Commons
Lawmakers will be returning to Richmond once again this week to consider gun-control legislation in the wake of the Virginia Beach shooting. Michael Pope has this preview.
Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have been filing gun-related legislation to be considered during the session.
That includes Democratic Senator John Edwards. He has a bill that would allow local governments to ban firearms from meeting places like city council chambers.
Edwards has tried to get the measure passed before on behalf of Roanoke’s city council.
Other proposed legislation from Democratic lawmakers would reinstate Virginia’s one handgun purchase-a-month law, allow courts to remove guns from people deemed a risk to themselves or others, and make the penalty for leaving a loaded gun where a child can get it a felony.
Republican legislation includes efforts to increase the penalties for using a firearm during a crime, brandishing a gun at a law enforcement officer, and allowing state and local government employees to carry their gun on the job if they also have a concealed carry permit.
Republican Senator Amanda Chase says gun owners who are following the law shouldn’t be penalized for the bad behavior of others.
This November, ever seat in the General Assembly will be on the ballot — all 100 seats in the House of Delegates and all 40 seats in the state Senate.
Virginia Localities Can Now Better Regulate Electric Scooters
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 8, 2019
Cities across Virginia are dealing with a new form of transportation — electric scooters. And now, they have some new tools to regulate. Michael Pope reports.
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