From VA State Senator Barbara Favola:
This past week I was consumed with committee hearings, presentations and explanations to the press about my three-line bill to prohibit the use of search warrants in accessing menstrual health data kept on tracking apps and other electronic devices.
This bill passed the Senate with bi-partisan support (31-9) but Governor Youngkin ensured that the bill was defeated in a House subcommittee and issued a statement about his desire to keep such information available to prosecutors. But why would prosecutors ever need your menstrual data? I think you can draw your own conclusions about that.
In fact, President Biden issued a statement that was printed in the Richmond Times Dispatch about my common-sense bill:
White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement that the Youngkin administration’s effort to block the legislation “attacks the principles of freedom and a woman’s fundamental right to privacy in the United States of America.”
The fact that we are even having this conversation borders on surreal. But thank goodness for our talented entertainers on late night T.V. and Samantha Bee. Their comments on this bizarre reality have helped put things in perspective.
Next week, I will give you a more complete update on the status of bills and where we are with budget negotiations. I expect the session to conclude by Friday, February 24, but we may have to return for a special session on the budget.
I appreciate your continued support and words of encouragement. It is a privilege to represent you in Richmond.
Sincerely,
Senator Barbara Favola
31st District – Representing Parts of Arlington, Fairfax, & Loudoun
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