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Va. House panel rejects bid to ease tough prison terms
RICHMOND A few lonely voices in the General Assembly are starting to suggest that Virginia went too far with its get-tough-on-crime initiatives in the 1990s. Along with the usual arguments about compassion, redemption and rehabilitation, they are offering another, more hard-nosed reason to revisit those policies: the cost to the taxpayers.
Many efforts, few changes on abortion measures
RICHMOND After more than an hour of debate Thursday morning, Virginia abortion-rights and anti-abortion advocates found themselves in a stalemate that's likely to persist for the rest of this General Assembly session.
Local leaders vote against new sales tax for roads
CHESAPEAKE Despite urging from Virginia Beach's vice mayor, a majority of Hampton Roads' mayors and county leaders voted down a measure Thursday to signal support for a regional sales tax referendum to fund local transportation projects.
Va. delegate from Portsmouth has email – finally
RICHMOND Before this week, if constituents in Norfolk or Portsmouth wanted to reach Del. Johnny Joannou, they would have had to call, write or visit his office. Now - finally - they can reach him by email.
Committee defeats bill to end state funding for some abortions
RICHMOND For the second consecutive year, a Senate committee has defeated legislation that would cut state funding for poor women's abortions if a doctor tells them the child would be born with a severe and incapacitating disability.
Bill to end state funding for some abortions defeated
RICHMOND For the second consecutive year, a Senate committee has defeated legislation that would cut state funding for poor women's abortions if a doctor tells them the child would be born with a severe and incapacitating disability.
Bill to use casinos instead of tolls passes panel
RICHMOND A proposal to allow casinos - in place of tolls - to fund transportation projects in Hampton Roads squeezed by a Senate subcommittee meeting this week and will get a full hearing Monday afternoon. The bill (SB714) faces tough odds in the General Assembly, where other forms of gambling, such as racetrack betting, took years to pass.
Smoking in car with child present will stay legal in Va.
RICHMOND Virginia lawmakers agreed today it’s a bad idea to smoke in a car with a child present, but they’re not ready to make it illegal.
Virginia bills cutting menhaden catch move ahead
RICHMOND Virginia legislators are recommending passage of legislation that would cut the catch of a key commercial fishery in Virginia. Senate and House committee members endorsed companion bills Thursday to reduce the catch of menhaden by 20 percent. The oily fish is used in dietary supplements, animal feed and for other purposes and a commercial fishery in Reedville.
Senate panel backs car door opening bill in Virginia
RICHMOND A Senate panel has endorsed legislation aimed at preventing people from opening car doors into the path of passing bicyclists. The Transportation Committee voted 7-6 Wednesday to send Sen. Chap Petersen's bill to the Senate floor.
Virginia toll tax credit bills for certain areas stalled
RICHMOND Proposals from two local lawmakers to create a tax credit for residents of certain localities who pay transportation tolls have been parked.
Disposable grocery bag tax fails in Va. House panel
RICHMOND A perennial proposal to place a tax on disposable grocery bags has failed again in the General Assembly. The measure (HB1381) introduced by Del. Joe Morrissey, D-Henrico County, would have imposed a tax of 5 cents per bag on the plastic and paper bags, with the revenue going into the Virginia Water Quality Improvement Fund.
