Posts Tagged General Assembly 2021
General Assembly Agrees to Budget for ARPA billions
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 10, 2021
The General Assembly approved a budget compromise between the House of Delegates and the Senate Monday, adding millions for public safety and law enforcement, but which amounted to a small fraction of the $4.3 billion legislators appropriated. Jahd Khalil reports.
Equity Programs Debate Leads to Fireworks in the House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 9, 2021
Legislators were in Richmond Monday to make a final decision on $3 billion of federal relief money. But, a debate over equity programs in public schools produced the bigger fireworks. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Going Behind Closed Doors to Come Together on State Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 5, 2021
Many lawmakers were hoping for a lightning fast special session this week. But, now members of the House and Senate are haggling over the details. Michael Pope reports.
House OK’s State Budget, But Virginia Senate Adds a Few Amendments
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 4, 2021
The House of Delegates is moving forward with a massive spending plan to appropriate billions of dollars of stimulus cash. Michael Pope has details.
Members of the Virginia Senate say the stimulus spending plan the governor sent them isn’t good enough, and they’re suggesting a change that would help sheriff’s deputies. Reporter Michael Pope has more on their proposed amendments.
Lawmakers Working to Iron Out Wrinkles in Eviction Protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 3, 2021
Lawmakers are back in Richmond trying to figure out how to spend billions of dollars in federal stimulus money. Michael Pope reports the spending bill is also expected to have language aimed at helping guard against evictions.
State Democrats Pushing for a Speedy Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2021
Democrats who are in charge of the General Assembly are hoping to oversee a swift special session to spend billions of dollars in federal stimulus money. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Lawmakers Convene In Person For Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on August 2, 2021
Legislators returned to the Virginia State Capitol for the first time since the spring of 2020. Reporter Jahd Khalil reports from the capitol.
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Call for More Affordable Housing
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 23, 2021
Lawmakers will be back in Richmond next week to figure out how to spend $4 billion of federal stimulus money. One agenda item they’ll be debating is affordable housing. Michael Pope reports.
Federal Pandemic Aid: Advocates Push for Eviction Protections
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 22, 2021
Lawmakers are about to return to Richmond for a special session to determine how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Some advocates want them to take action to protect people against evictions. Michael Pope reports.
Interest Groups Lining Up Proposals on How to Spend Federal Funding
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 20, 2021
Lawmakers are returning to Richmond to figure out how to spend more than four billion dollars of federal stimulus money. Michael Pope has this preview.
Northam Proposal Would See All Virginia Households Connected to Broadband by 2024
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 16, 2021
Governor Ralph Northam proposed a historic investment in the state’s continued efforts to get Virginians connected to broadband Friday. Nick Gilmore has details.
Robbery Definition Changing in Virginia
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on July 1, 2021
Robbery will have a more nuanced definition after a bill reforming the state’s definition becomes law on July 1st. Jahd Khalil reports.
General Assembly Passes Northam Amendment, Marijuana to Be Legalized July 1st
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 7, 2021
The Democrat-controlled Virginia General Assembly voted Wednesday to accept Gov. Ralph Northam’s proposed changes to a marijuana legalization bill that will allow limited possession and cultivation of the drug beginning in July. Michael Pope has details.
A Look at the FOIA-Related Bills That Made Moves in the General Assembly This Year
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 6, 2021
The General Assembly is full of part-time lawmakers, people who bring their professional experience to the legislature. And that includes former journalists. Michael Pope has more.
Lawmakers to Vote on Amendment Allowing Magistrates to Carry Firearms in State Buildings
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 5, 2021
This week, lawmakers will be considering an amendment to a bill they sent to Governor Ralph Northam earlier this year that bans guns at state buildings. The governor’s amendment creates an exemption for magistrates. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers to Consider Northam’s Facial Recognition Bill Amendment Next Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 2, 2021
Lawmakers will be reconsidering a bill on facial recognition technology when they meet next week. Michael Pope reports.
Sunsetting Coal Tax Credits: Where Will That Money Go Now?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on April 1, 2021
The coal industry in Virginia is shrinking, and coal tax credits are on their way out. Michael Pope has this report on where the money that once helped subsidize the industry will go next.
May Elections in Virginia Will Soon Be a Thing of the Past
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 29, 2021
This spring will see the last ever May elections for local government, as Michael Pope reports.
EVs and Charging Stations: Virginia Going Zero Emissions Under New Vehicle Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 5, 2021
Virginia is about to become the first Southern state to enact zero-emissions vehicle legislation. Michael Pope reports.
Examining Next Steps for Legislation Passed During 2021 Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on March 1, 2021
The General Assembly session may be over for 2021. But, the process isn’t. Michael Pope reports.
Lawmakers Still Need to Balance Virginia’s Budget; Where Will Teacher Raises Fit Into That Work?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2021
Virginia’s legislative session is wrapping up, but one big piece is still missing: funding. Lawmakers are expected to reveal the budget they’ve agreed on today. Reporter Jahd Khalil says eyes are on teacher salaries.
State Lawmakers Kick Precinct Data Legislation Down the Road
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 25, 2021
Voters may be about to get better data about elections. But as Michael Pope reports, it won’t be this year.
The Debate Over Reforming Virginia’s Bail System Likely Won’t End This Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
Lawmakers are taking action to change how the cash bail system works. Michael Pope reports.
Conference Committee Working on Bill Allowing Mental Health Testimony in Criminal Cases
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
People with developmental disabilities are incarcerated much more often than the rest of the population. But when defending themselves, they’re not allowed to introduce evidence about their mental state at the time of the alleged crime. Jahd Khalil reports on how that practice could end.
Despite Democratic Majorities, A Ban on Assault-Style Weapons Isn’t Headed to Northam’s Desk
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 24, 2021
Lawmakers are sending the governor several bills aimed at preventing gun violence. But there’s one bill they’re not sending him. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Votes to Remove Harry Byrd Statue from Capitol Square
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 23, 2021
The General Assembly is about to remove a prominent symbol of its racist past from Capitol Square. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Rejects Farm Worker Minimum Wage Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
Senate Democrats are rejecting an effort to guarantee a minimum wage to farm workers. Michael Pope has the story.
Legislation Requiring In-Person Instruction Currently Under Consideration by House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
On Monday, some students in Henrico County returned to in-person learning. Governor Northam has asked all schools to have an in-person option by March 15th. A bill in the General Assembly would require it by this summer. Jahd Khalil has this report from Richmond.
Effort to Add Paid Sick Days Has Been Narrowed, More Debate Potentially on the Horizon
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 22, 2021
Senators may be on the verge of approving paid sick days. But, the bill they’re considering would be a very narrow requirement. Michael Pope reports.
State Democrats Want to Prevent Those Convicted of Domestic Abuse From Having Firearms
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill designed to keep guns out of the hands of people convicted of domestic violence. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Remove Byrd Statue, Rename Jefferson Davis Highway
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
Lawmakers are taking action to remove some divisive symbols from public view. Michael Pope has the story.
Legislation Would Help With Food Insecurity, During and After the Pandemic
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 19, 2021
More Virginians are having trouble getting access to food because of COVID-19. A bill before the General Assembly is looking to offer food banks assistance. But the bill also has implications after the pandemic. Jahd Khalil has details.
Virginia Could Soon End Costly Coal Tax Credits
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 18, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would scrap tax credits for the coal industry. Michael Pope reports.
State Democrats Working Out Differences on Gun Control Legislation
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2021
Democrats campaigned on a platform of taking action to crack down on gun violence. Now, they’re divided on some of the details. Michael Pope has the story.
The General Assembly Has Approved Marijuana Legalization, But Details Up in the Air
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 16, 2021
The House and the Senate have both approved legalizing marijuana, although there are differences between the two approaches that still need to be worked out. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Considering Baseline Data Privacy Law
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2021
What can a company do with your personal data? That’s what lawmakers are discussing in the General Assembly. California already has its own law. Jahd Khalil reports on a data protection act proposed for Virginia.
Legislation Moving Forward in Richmond Would Ban Guns at All Virginia Polling Places
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 15, 2021
Now that Democrats are in control of the General Assembly, firearms are prohibited in a number of places. And, one of those places might soon be a polling place. Michael Pope has the story.
It’s Open Season for Campaign Fundraising Thanks to Mostly Online Special Session
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 12, 2021
Lawmakers are now in a General Assembly unlike any other, partly because it’s largely virtual. But, the laws around campaign fundraising also work differently. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Extending Background Check Processing Time for Gun Purchases Moving Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2021
Last year, Democrats took action on a host of new gun control laws. Now, they are coming back around to make some changes. Michael Pope explains.
Legislation Seeking to Cut Back on Court Fees Now Under Consideration by State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 11, 2021
Senators are considering a House bill that would reduce some court fines and fees. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Working to Come Together on Virginia’s Budget
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2021
Lawmakers in Richmond are trying to balance the books during a pandemic and an economic crisis. Michael Pope reports.
Legislation Closing Campaign Finance Loophole Moving Forward in Richmond
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2021
Virginia lawmakers may be on the verge of closing one of the most notorious campaign finance loopholes in the country. Michael Pope reports.
DMV Data Legislation Currently Under Consideration by State Senate
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2021
Earlier this year, Virginia residents with an undocumented immigration status could apply for a Virginia driver privilege card for the first time. But advocates were concerned that Immigration and Customs Enforcement could use the DMV data without a court order. Jahd Khalil has more.
Virginia House and Senate at Standoff Over Expungement… Again
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 10, 2021
Lawmakers agree they want to make it easier to expunge old criminal records. But, for a year now Democrats who control the General Assembly have not been able to agree about how to make that happen. Michael Pope explains why.
Virginia Senate Considering Legislation Declaring Racism a Public Health Crisis
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 9, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a resolution that makes a declaration about the problem of racism. Michael Pope reports.
A Look at Some of the Transportation-Related Legislation Moving Forward at the General Assembly
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 8, 2021
Nearly half of Virginia’s carbon emissions come from transportation. The House of Delegates took on a number of bills hoping to reduce those emissions, and now they’re in the senate’s hands. Jahd Khalil has this report.
Despite Republican Calls for a Short Session, General Assembly to Continue This Week
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 8, 2021
The General Assembly session is now at its midpoint. Republicans tried to force Democrats into a shorter session, but that strategy failed. Michael Pope has details.
Virginia Senate Follows House’s Lead, Votes to Legalize Marijuana
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2021
Lawmakers are moving forward with legalizing marijuana. Michael Pope reports.
Virginia Senate Advances Bill Seeking to Expand the State’s Court of Appeals
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2021
Lawmakers are moving forward with a bill that could dramatically change the legal system in Virginia. Michael Pope reports.
House of Delegates Votes to Abolish Death Penalty
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 5, 2021
Friday, the House of Delegates voted to abolish the death penalty by a vote of 57 to 41. Virginia’s now poised to be the first state in the south to abolish the death penalty. As Jahd Khalil reports, Friday’s vote in the House of Delegates comes after an emotional debate the day before.
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