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Lawmakers move to change Va. electoral vote system
RICHMOND Virginia's Republican-ruled legislature has taken the first steps toward ending the state's winner-takes-all system of apportioning its 13 presidential electoral votes. A Senate subcommittee recommended Sen. Bill Carrico's bill on Wednesday on a 3-3 party line vote.
House panel votes down citizen review of SOLs
RICHMOND After grappling this morning over how much input parents and other citizens should have into the state’s Standards of Learning exams, a House panel decided against creating a special review board for those groups.
New poll shows tight race for Virginia governor
RICHMOND The two leading candidates for Virginia governor this year are locked in a tight race whose outcome may depend on turnout levels in November, according to a new poll sampling voter attitudes about the contest.
Bills go after loophole in police certification
Police officers should lose their certifications in Virginia if they commit a felony or fail a drug test. But that happens only if a chief notifies the state's Department of Criminal Justice Services. A state study last year revealed that Virginia's chiefs rarely do. And that has resulted in proposed changes making their way through the General Assembly.
Va. bills go after loophole in police certification
Police officers should lose their certifications in Virginia if they commit a felony or fail a drug test. But that happens only if a chief notifies the state's Department of Criminal Justice Services. A state study last year revealed that Virginia's chiefs rarely do. And that has resulted in proposed changes making their way through the General Assembly.
Va. motorcycle helmet law withstands repeal effort
RICHMOND An attempt to repeal Virginia’s mandatory motorcycle helmet law was defeated by a close vote in a House of Delegates subcommittee today. The bill (HB2010) from Del. Ben Cline, R-Rockbridge County, would have made helmets optional for riders 21 and older. The measure was rejected 3-2 and will advance no further in this legislative session.
Gun show bill voted down in Va. Senate committee
RICHMOND Legislation aimed at requiring criminal records checks for all firearms transactions at gun shows, including those by private sellers, won't advance this year, but members of a state Senate committee pledged Wednesday to work toward a compromise that could expand criminal background checks on firearms purchases.
Virginia county home to uranium deposit backs ban
CHATHAM The Board of Supervisors in Pittsylvania County is asking Virginia lawmakers to keep in place a moratorium on uranium mining. The Danville Register & Bee says supervisors approved the resolution Wednesday.
Bill to ban texting in tunnels detoured by Senate
RICHMOND Legislation that would empower police to stop and cite motorists for texting while driving in a tunnel or bridge has hit a roadblock. The measure from Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, was up for consideration on the Senate floor for but didn't receive a vote Tuesday -- it was sent to the Courts of Justice Committee instead.
Bill to ban texting in tunnels detoured by Va. Senate
RICHMOND Legislation that would empower police to stop and cite motorists for texting while driving in a tunnel or bridge has hit a roadblock. The measure from Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, was up for consideration on the Senate floor for but didn't receive a vote Tuesday -- it was sent to the Courts of Justice Committee instead.
Virginia House OKs extending excise tax on peanuts
RICHMOND The Virginia House of Delegates has voted to extend the state’s excise tax on peanuts – a move that will help promote the sale and marketing of one of the commonwealth’s top cash crops.
Senate passes bill to fine drivers who fling open doors
RICHMOND Motorists be warned: recklessly opening your car's door could cost you. The Virginia Senate Tuesday approved legislation to allow $100 fines on drivers who fling open vehicle doors on the side of oncoming traffic before it is safe to do so.
