Posts Tagged General Assembly 2021
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.
Legislation Ending Session Immunity for State Lawmakers Dies in Senate Committee
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2021
Elected officials like to tell voters they’re just like everybody else. But, they actually have immunity from prosecution during the General Assembly session. Michael Pope has details.
Bill Requiring Absentee Ballots to be Recorded in Precincts Where Voters Live Moves Forward
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2021
As more and more voters move toward absentee voting, important data about the geography of elections is not being collected. Michael Pope reports on an effort to fix that problem.
House of Delegates Set to Vote on Marijuana Legalization Friday
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 4, 2021
Last year, Virginia decriminalized the possession of marijuana. Thursday, the House of Delegates discussed the issues involved with legalizing it. Jahd Khalil reports.
Virginia Senate Passes Death Penalty Abolition Bill
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2021
Virginia has executed more people for a longer period of time than any other state. But, that’s about to change. Michael Pope reports.
Bill Adding More Transparency to New Redistricting Commission Advances
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 3, 2021
Last year was a census year. That means this year Virginia is redrawing legislative districts. And a piece of legislation seeks to add transparency, and accessibility, to the process. Jahd Khalil reports.
Criminal Justice Reform: Should Virginia Remove Presumptions Against Bail?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 2, 2021
Lawmakers are talking about a number of ways to reform the criminal justice system. And, one way is to change how the cash bail system works. Michael Pope reports.
The Legislative Effort to Make Environmental Justice Part of Virginia’s Code
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 2, 2021
Last year Virginia enacted the Virginia Environmental Justice Act. It made environmental justice the policy of the Commonwealth. Jahd Khalil has more on a bill to put it into action in each level of government.
Drop Boxes and Mail-In Ballots: Should Pandemic-Related Election Changes Be Permanent?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 1, 2021
Many of the pandemic-related changes to Virginia elections might end up being permanent. Michael Pope explains why.
Effort to End Qualified Immunity Shelved This Session, Likely to Become Campaign Issue
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on February 1, 2021
Lawmakers are rejecting efforts to end qualified immunity for police officers. Michael Pope reports.
Ending the Death Penalty: What Financial Impacts Could Virginia See?
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2021
Lawmakers are considering legislation to abolish the death penalty in Virginia. Michael Pope reports on the potential financial implications.
Effort to Abolish the Panic Defense in Virginia Clears Hurdle in House of Delegates
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 29, 2021
Lawmakers are considering a bill that would create new protections for people based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Michael Pope reports.
State Lawmakers Weigh the Very Nuanced Issue of Conviction Expungement
Posted by Nick Gilmore in Virginia's News on January 28, 2021
Lawmakers are trying to work their way through a number of complicated issues this year. One of the most nuanced issues this year is how to expunge old convictions. Michael Pope has details.
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From NPR News- Tens Of Thousands Sign Petition To Stop Jeff Bezos From Returning To Earth June 21, 2021Amazon founder Jeff Bezos announced he would travel to space earlier this month. Shortly after, a petition began circulating asking that he not come back.
- Claudette Downgraded To Tropical Depression, Will Strengthen As It Nears East Coast June 20, 2021Tropical Depression Claudette is expected to return to a tropical storm status before it hits the North Carolina coast. The storm will bring torrential rain and high waters.
- A 15-Vehicle Crash On An Alabama Highway Has Left 9 Children Dead June 20, 2021Eight of the children were traveling in a van belonging to a youth ranch operated by the Alabama Sheriffs Association for abused or neglected children. A 9-month-old baby died in a separate vehicle.
- Enthusiastic Amateurs Advance Science As They Hunt For Exotic Mushrooms June 20, 2021Scientists who study mushrooms get a boost from a network of sophisticated aficionados who tromp through the forests observing oddball species and sharing valuable information about their finds.
- Juneteenth Brings Joy, A New Tubman Museum And Questions Of The Future June 20, 2021The Smithsonian magazine had named the small Harriet Tubman Museum in Cape May, N.J., as one to watch in 2020.
- Tens Of Thousands Sign Petition To Stop Jeff Bezos From Returning To Earth June 21, 2021
- From BBC News
- Covid vaccine: We need answers on autumn booster plan, say health leaders June 21, 2021The government has already promised a Covid booster rollout but it is yet to set out how it will work.
- France regional election: Macron and Le Pen fail to make ground - exit poll June 21, 2021Early results indicate both parties have failed to make ground in France's regional elections.
- Contaminated blood inquiry: The school where dozens of pupils died June 20, 2021Ex-pupils caught up in the infected blood scandal decades ago will give evidence at an inquiry.
- Laurel Hubbard: First transgender athlete to compete at Olympics June 21, 2021NZ weightlifter Laurel Hubbard is headed for Tokyo but critics say she has an unfair advantage.
- US Navy uses 40,000lb explosive to test warship in 'Full Ship Shock Trial' June 20, 2021The US Navy conducted a 'Full Ship Shock Trial' against its aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford.
- Covid vaccine: We need answers on autumn booster plan, say health leaders June 21, 2021
