Happy Valentine's Day! A rather silly General Assembly tradition revolves around Valentine's Day, which is celebrated with extravagant decor (see adjacent photo), countless flower deliveries, and an overabundance of sweets. The cheer of the festivities belies the sobering reality of the legislative process. Tuesday marked Crossover, meaning that the House is now considering only Senate bills and the Senate is hearing only House bills. Both Monday and Tuesday entailed lengthy floor sessions and debate on legislation that will touch the lives of all Virginians.
This year's "hot button" bills have been extensively covered in the media (both conventional media and social media). Unfortunately, a great deal of problematic legislation slipped beneath the radar. Here are some examples:
- Colleges are no longer allowed to request an applicant's criminal history (keep that in mind as your child or grandchild moves into their college dorm)--House Bill 1322
- Illegal immigrants will now be eligible for in-state college tuition--House Bill 1547
- Law enforcement can no longer inquire about the immigration status of inmates and criminals convicted of a felony--House Bill 1150
- Virginia will be entered into an interstate compact to elect the president by popular vote (i.e., elimination of the electoral college)--House Bill 177
- Individuals can register to vote at polling locations on Election Day and may immediately cast their vote--House Bill 187
- A five cent fee can be levied on plastic bags (this convoluted bill includes carve outs for alcohol, ice cream, fish, and other items, meaning the check-out process will become a complicated math exercise)--House Bill 534
- Localities can raise taxes on meals, admissions, cigarettes, etc. with no voter referendum process and no cap on the increases--House Bill 785
- A massive transportation package that includes perpetual gas tax increases with no sunset provision will likely go into effect July 1 (most of the projects, such as mass transit and rail, apply exclusively to Northern Virginia)--House Bill 1414
- Decriminalization of simple marijuana possession (this bill essentially expands the market for marijuana sales, but holds sellers liable while users get a free pass)--House Bill 972
- Development of up to five casinos with provisions for the statewide addition of up to 2,500 slot machine-type devices (casinos may be located in Richmond, Norfolk, Portsmouth, Danville, or Bristol; slot-style machines may be located anywhere in Virginia)--House Bill 4
Here's a brief update on the status of high profile bills:
- Multiple 2nd Amendment restrictions including "assault weapon" bans, allowance for local gun control ordinances, red flag laws, and reinstatement of one gun per month policies--PASSED
- Removal of health care protections for women seeking an abortion (including the requirement that a physician perform abortions)--PASSED
- "Green" legislation that will shutter all coal-fired plants by 2045 and require carbon neutrality--PASSED
- Gender identity protections that include no explicit allowance for the exercise of religious belief--PASSED
- Collective bargaining for public employees--PASSED
- Elimination of the requirement for voters to provide a photo I.D.--PASSED
- Provision of drivers’ licenses to illegal immigrants--PASSED
- Increase of minimum wage to $15/hour by 2025--PASSED
- Authorize localities to remove and/or destroy war memorials/monuments--PASSED
- Allow violent felons to apply for parole--PASSED
- Elimination of Right-to-Work laws--LEFT IN COMMITTEE/FAILED TO PASS
This is just a brief overview of the hundreds of bills that have passed the House of Delegates thus far. As you can see, Virginia has taken a rapid and dramatic turn to the left. Whereas California's progressive slide has been decades in the making, Virginia's radical policies are happening overnight.
|
|
Constituent Day in Richmond: Thursday, February 20
|
|
Just a few openings remain for next Thursday's legislative day in Richmond! The agenda will include opportunities to view committee meetings, hear from guest speakers, tour the Capitol, observe session, and enjoy lunch. There is no charge to attend, but space is limited. R.S.V.P. is required. If you would like to attend, please contact Dayle Brittain by phone at 804-698-1096 or by email at info@amandabatten.com.
|
|
2020 General Assembly Survey
|
|
Survey results are now available! Click
HERE
to view responses. Thank you again to all who completed the 2020 Legislative Survey.
|
|
Due to the busy Crossover schedule, we had fewer guests in Richmond this week. Following is a snapshot of the constituent groups who visited:
- Chesapeake Bay Foundation
- LEAD Peninsula
- League of Women Voters of the Williamsburg Area
- March for Life attendees
- Virginia Alliance of YMCAs
- Virginia Maritime Association
There's plenty of time to visit Richmond, but if you'd prefer to schedule a time to meet with me post-session, please call Dayle Brittain at 804-698-1096 or email her at DelABatten@house.virginia.gov. As a reminder, you can track legislation online at
http://lis.virginia.gov/
Happy Friday!
|
|
|
Contact Delegate Batten
Legislative Aide: Dayle Brittain
Mail: P.O. Box 194, Norge, VA 23127
Phone: 804-698-1096
|
|
Paid for and Authorized by Friends of Amanda Batten
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
