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‘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.
Governor signs repeal of renewable energy incentives
RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell this afternoon signed legislation repealing certain financial incentives for electric utility companies that use renewable energy sources.
Bill requiring photo ID to vote headed to McDonnell
RICHMOND Virginians looking to cast their votes after July 1, 2014, will have to present a photo identification card at the polls under a bill that passed the General Assembly today.
Assembly OKs allowing abuse victims to end leases
RICHMOND Domestic abuse and sexual assault victims will be able to end their rental agreements early under a bill that passed the General Assembly today.
Deal struck to put $880M more into Virginia’s roads
RICHMOND Standing astride an office doorway on the General Assembly Building’s 10th floor, Del. Chris Jones and Sen. Tommy Norment extended their arms for a firm handshake this morning. And like that, a deal to pump $880 million more into state road building efforts was sealed between the small group of legislators who’ve been negotiating the plan for the past four days.
Roads funding plan is reached, but the vote remains
RICHMOND If you thought reaching an $880 million statewide road funding deal among 10 legislators was tough, just wait until it comes to the full General Assembly for approval.
In Virginia’s halls of power, a little comic relief
The General Assembly doesn't have a comic book caucus, but there are enough fans there to start one. Virginia Beach Del. Ron Villanueva is an ideal candidate for charter member - his legislative office is a modest shrine, decorated with superheroes, "Star Wars" and G.I. Joe figurines.
State set to take over failing schools
RICHMOND Gov. Bob McDonnell's proposal to mandate a state takeover of failing public schools won final passage Wednesday in the General Assembly even as a Norfolk lawmaker offered legislation aimed at undercutting the governor's plan.
Va. lawmakers reach compromise on transportation
RICHMOND Update: House and Senate transportation conferees have reached a compromise that next will be considered by the full General Assembly. If the General Assembly can pass an accord by its scheduled adjournment Saturday, it would be the first comprehensive overhaul of the way Virginia pays for its highway system the legislature has approved since 1986.
