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Va. lawmakers reach agreement on budget revisions
UPDATE: General Assembly budget negotiators have reached an agreement on revisions to the state budget, including a tentative compromise on Medicaid expansion that became a bargaining chip in a high-stakes legislative battle over transportation funding reforms.
Virginia lawmakers close to deal on budget revisions
RICHMOND Virginia budget negotiators closed in on a deal Friday to include Medicaid expansion language in the state’s fiscal blueprint, a possible resolution on one of the more contentious issues left before the General Assembly in the final days of this session.
Saying goodbye is tough for everyone but Tata
RICHMOND Sauntering through the State Capitol this week, Del. Bob Tata overheard a tour guide telling some visitors the copper-colored support beams near a winding staircase are the remnants of an old elevator shaft. Tata's ears pricked up at the mention of that historical fact: "I always thought that looked like an elevator," he said.
Democrats fume over McDonnell’s Medicaid missive
RICHMOND With a major road-funding deal in reach, Gov. Bob McDonnell sent a letter to state budget negotiators that may have put approval of the plan in jeopardy by raising a separate, politically sensitive issue.
Va. Assembly modifies standard for proving innocence
RICHMOND Virginia legislators have approved a one-word change in state law aimed at making it a little easier for wrongly convicted inmates to win exoneration. The Senate voted 37-2 Thursday to pass the revision, which the House of Delegates approved earlier in the session.
Norfolk resident, 109, charms Va. House of Delegates
RICHMOND The House of Delegates has welcomed dignitaries, celebrities and accomplished citizens of all stripes to its chamber over the years, but few have received a heartier ovation than Lela Babb Burden did today.
Drones moratorium advances to McDonnell’s desk
RICHMOND A two-year moratorium on the use of drones by police and government agencies is now in the hands of Gov. Bob McDonnell. The Senate accepted a House amendment Thursday and voted 40-0 to pass the moratorium legislation.
Governor gets bill to halt use of drones in Virginia
RICHMOND A two-year moratorium on the use of drones by police and government agencies is now in the hands of Gov. Bob McDonnell. The Senate accepted a House amendment Thursday and voted 40-0 to pass the moratorium legislation.
‘Straw man’ gun laws already on books, rarely enforced
NORFOLK Federal and state lawmakers have proposed new crimes and stiffer penalties for straw purchases of firearms in the wake of several mass shootings. But law enforcement officials and state Supreme Court statistics show the proposals, aimed at those who buy guns for anyone banned from carrying a firearm, might be more symbolic than practical.
Poll: Virginians favor photo ID policy at the polls
RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell will have some public opinion research to inform him as he weighs whether to sign onto a bill that would require voters to show photo identification at the polls.
Va. House rejects youth sports concussions bill
RICHMOND The House of Delegates has killed legislation requiring youth sports programs that use public school property to adopt procedures for dealing with concussions. The House voted 53-40 on Thursday to send the bill to its Courts of Justice Committee, which will not meet again before Saturday's scheduled adjournment.
Parental rights legislation wins final approval in Va.
RICHMOND Legislation declaring that parents have a fundamental right to direct the upbringing, education and care of their children has won final General Assembly approval. Without debate, the Senate voted 29-11 Thursday to accept a House amendment to the bill. The measure has now cleared both chambers and is headed to the governor's desk.
