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Thursday News: “Two Trump cases reach critical tests today”; “Biden Says The Kansas City Shooting ‘Cuts Deep In The American Soul’”; “Democrats see 2024 border blueprint in Suozzi’s New York win”; Dominion Wants to Pass on Small Modular Reactors’ “exorbitant cost”

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lowkell
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27

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Thursday, January 15.

The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Connecticut Personal Injury Claims

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Blue Virginia
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2

SPONSORED CONTENT

The Importance of Expert Witnesses in Connecticut Personal Injury Claims

The quality of the evidence you use in your case is a critical aspect of a case’s strength, so you want to make sure you document and preserve all pieces of evidence from the get-go.

The different types of evidence that could be helpful in a personal injury case include pictures and video footage of the scene, medical records, pictures of the injuries, medical bills, receipts, witness accounts, etc.

However, it is also important to note that evidence in and of itself may not be sufficient to build a compelling case, and that is where an expert witness comes into play. This guide looks into the role of expert witnesses in a personal injury claim, so keep reading for insight.

Who Is an Expert Witness

An expert witness is an individual with extensive and specialized knowledge of a subject matter, which gives them the authority to offer opinions on the subject in a court of law.

The court’s expectation of expert witnesses is that they will offer unbiased opinions on a matter, thereby helping it understand the facts of a case, which ultimately guides its decision-making.

In a personal injury setting, you are most likely to have medical experts, mental health experts, and accident reconstructionists called to prove a matter, but you may also have specialists in other fields, such as quality assurance, experts in safety standards in workplaces, etc.

The Importance of an  Expert Witness

Providing Clarity

Clarity or the lack thereof in a case has a significant influence on how the court decides the matter. Expert witnesses play the critical role of providing clarity in court for matters that would otherwise be too complex for the court to understand.

For example, an accident reconstructionist can use photographic evidence, witness accounts, skid marks, and car damage to recreate an accident in a way that the jury understands, helping in establishing liability.

Credibility

Expert witnesses are experts in a particular field. As such, most parties in a personal injury case view what they say as credible, something you may not get with any other witness.

“What an expert witness says is important, and it has to be factual. In addition, their presence itself helps create a positive impression in the jury and the courts and can subconsciously influence decision-making,” says attorney Mike A. D’Amico of D’Amico & Pettinicchi, LLC.

Quantifying Damages

One of the main roles of a lawyer is damage valuation, as it helps them know what to demand as compensation from the at-fault party. Even with the damage valuation skills a lawyer has, there are times when they may need the help of an expert witness in damage valuation.

For example, consider a case where future medical expenses are a factor in a case. In such situations, an expert witness can help provide the court with a clear outline of projected future medical interventions and why they are necessary, which can help guide damage valuation.

How a Lawyer Helps

A lawyer and an expert witness play different roles, so you will need to have both in your case. The expert witness only helps shed light on a matter, but it is the lawyer who does the legal work, so there is no way an expert witness can replace your need for a personal injury lawyer.

Also, it is the lawyer who helps connect you with the expert witnesses from the connections they create in their years of practice. Without a lawyer’s connection, it’s almost impossible to get one, so the starting place is hiring a lawyer.

 

 

Video: Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Releases Crossover Update on Criminal Justice Reform Agenda

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Blue Virginia
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3

From the VA Legislative Black Caucus:

Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Releases Crossover Update on Criminal Justice Reform Agenda

The Virginia Legislative Black Caucus (VLBC) remains in profound solidarity with the 122,500 Virginians who are actively trapped in our state’s criminal justice system, nearly half of whom are Black. When slavery was abolished by the 13th Amendment, it was qualified with “except as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.” With that, mass incarceration was born and the criminal justice system absorbed the role of dehumanizing, abusing and punishing Black America.

Defeated Legislation:

The members of this organization are well positioned in both the House and Senate Courts of Justice Committees to block harsher penalties and punitive policies which would increase incarceration rates and sentencing lengths. The harmful, regressive policies we are pleased will not make it into state law include the reestablishment of the death penalty; increased larceny penalties including an automatic felony triggered by the third offense; expansions on the length of probation periods and the removal of limitations on the amount of jail time one can receive for probation violations; the elevation of certain drug offenses to the degree of felony homicide; and the restoration of an automatic denial of bail for certain offenses, denying those arrested the promised presumption of innocence until proven otherwise.

While attempting to roll back the rights of anyone who has or will interact with the criminal justice system, our Republican counterparts are simultaneously working to strengthen the power of the Commonwealth over that of community members. Together, we defeated a list of unnecessary additional reasons for police traffic stops, which we know has historically led to the disproportionate profiling of Black drivers. Additionally, we have protected and affirmed the privacy of criminal history and juvenile justice records because no one deserves to be indefinitely punished for their worst mistake.

Repealing processes which are detrimental to Black communities in Virginia is only half of our task. As quickly as we work to dismantle the unjust criminal system, the VLBC is rebuilding it to be more efficient, empathetic and effective.

Increasing guidance and accountability for law enforcement interventions:

With a joint effort in the House and Senate to restrict the use of the widely condemned and barbaric policy of solitary confinement, SB 719, sponsored by Senator Bagby, and HB 1244, sponsored by Delegate Cole both passed in their respective chambers.

SB 546, sponsored by Senator Bagby, was unanimously passed in the Senate. The bill allows one’s family member or legal guardian to be present during the process to determine whether they meet the criteria for a psychiatric temporary detention order. This act of dignity could have also been life-saving in cases such as that of 28 year old Irvo Otieno, who was killed in custody after being restrained in a Virginia Psychiatric Hospital in 2023.

SB 547, sponsored by Senator Bagby, was unanimously passed in the Senate. This requires law enforcement training for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

HB 611, sponsored by Delegate Price, passed with bipartisan support in the House. As we fight to prevent its use, we are championing this bill to increase the reporting on and transparency around deaths in custody. When any person dies under the supposed care of the Commonwealth, we are entitled to a complete investigation, analysis and active measures to prevent another death from occurring in the same way.

HB 1496, sponsored by Delegate Rasoul, passed with bipartisan support in the House. This targets and regulates law-enforcement agencies’ use of surveillance, directing the Department of Criminal Justice Services to create and maintain a registry of surveillance technologies.

Expanding opportunities and pathways out of the criminal justice system:

HB 1269, sponsored by Delegate Price, passed with bipartisan support in the House and was referred to the Senate Committee on Rehabilitation and Social Services. It creates an exemption to certain “barrier crime” rules which block many in the recovery community from employment at an adult substance abuse or mental health treatment program.

SB 482, sponsored by Senator Aird, and HB 803, sponsored by Delegate Rasoul support additional record expungement of juvenile court records, for certain offenses which would be considered a felony, if committed by an adult. While the Senate version of the bill failed to pass out of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee, its House counterpart passed and is on its way to the Senate.

HB 457, sponsored by Delegate Callsen, passed in the House. The bill establishes criteria for the mandatory reduction of probation periods including the defendant’s participation in educational activities, maintaining employment, completing a mental health or substance abuse treatment program, and good conduct.

HB 1252, sponsored by Delegate McClure, passed in the House with some bipartisan support. Aligning with our priority of cutting back the recidivism rate and amount of people behind bars who pose no threat to public safety—the bill introduces parole revocation hearing guidelines, reviews of previous technical violations and limits on sentences after one’s parole has been revoked.

In order to break down the wall between our dual justice systems—one which works for the rich and one which does not work, we are focused on eliminating the financial burden of the carceral system:

HB 824, sponsored by Delegate Cousins, passed in the House. The bill holds indigent Virginian’s harmless for potential increases in court-appointed attorney fees. This will mitigate the burden of legal counsel fees for those among us who are the most financially vulnerable while promoting financial incentives for more attorneys to take court appointments, with better quality representation.

SB 514, sponsored by Senator Williams Graves, passed in the Senate. The bill reduces the fee collection period from a maximum of 60 years and minimum of 30, down to 10 years. This ensures that not every sentence is a life sentence.

SB 481, sponsored by Senator Aird, was passed in the Senate Courts of Justice Committee but failed to pass the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee. The bill would have abolished juvenile fines and fees related to the prosecution of criminal offenses.

HB 246, sponsored by Delegate Jones, passed in the House and has been referred to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee. The bill makes the fines, penalties and other costs associated with criminal and traffic cases more transparent including updates on what the remaining balance is.

HB 614, sponsored by Delegate Price, passed in the House with some bipartisan support This proposed program to create community service work opportunities, which could be participated in during incarceration, in lieu of payment of fines and costs, is a step towards making criminal consequences more meaningful and restorative for both the incarcerated person and the Commonwealth.

Senator Williams Graves and Delegate Price, have introduced legislation in both chambers to create payment plans and deferred payment agreements for incarcerated people with fees related to their criminal case. SB 654 was passed in the Senate and HB 612 was passed in the House and has been referred to the Senate Courts of Justice Committee.

In the United States, we are leading in imprisonment with a higher rate of incarceration than all other democratic nations. In Virginia, our incarceration rate is even higher than the national average. This is a government failure. Our prisons have created a cycle of abuse, which we must end by reducing unnecessary incarceration:

SB 643, sponsored by Senator Aird, passed out of the Senate Courts of Justice Committee but failed to pass through the Senate. This legislation would create an exemption for willfully failing to appear in judicial proceedings while one is in the custody of law enforcement. Currently, the person in custody would be facing a Class 1 misdemeanor or Class 6 felony even though the ability to appear on time is widely out of their control. For deterrence laws to be effective, they must target those with the power to change the desired outcome.

HB 455, sponsored by Delegate Callsen, passed in the House. This will cut down on unnecessary prison time, due to legal technicalities, by reducing the offense for possession of an item containing less than one gram of a controlled substance from a Class 5 felony to a Class 1 misdemeanor.

HB 179, sponsored by Delegate Gardner, was passed in the House Appropriations Committee but failed to pass through the House. Through eliminating mandatory consecutive sentences of imprisonment, this bill would mitigate needlessly long sentences and allow the court’s approach to any individual to be more holistic.

HB 452, sponsored by Delegate Callsen, passed unanimously in the House. The benefits of the first offender drug program have already been demonstrated in Virginia and we plan to expand them to anyone convicted of an offense related to misdemeanor possession of marijuana. This allows individuals to avoid a conviction or criminal record by satisfying certain probationary terms.

HB 834, sponsored by Delegate Cousins, failed to pass in the House Appropriations Committee. Even if they meet all other criteria, someone who has been transferred out of jail and into state prison cannot petition for the modification of their sentence. By creating a pathway for this, we will simply be elevating them to the same level of due process given to all other citizens.

SB 144, sponsored by Senator Carroll Foy, passed in the Senate. This bill would ensure that those charged with a felony have a right to preliminary hearing—which we are all entitled to under the law. However, prosecutors have exploited a loophole which has rendered this right meaningless on a technicality by dropping charges in District Courts and recharging individuals in Circuit Courts.

Victory for Reproductive Freedom: Virginia General Assembly Passes Sweeping Reproductive Freedom Legislation 

By
Blue Virginia
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7

From Repro Rising Virginia:

Victory for Reproductive Freedom: Virginia General Assembly Passes Sweeping Reproductive Freedom Legislation
Richmond, VA – The Virginia General Assembly has taken a significant step in safeguarding abortion patients and providers by advancing a series of Reproductive Freedom bills that demonstrate the Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting reproductive heath care access. Legislation that passed third reading on the floor in either chamber will now “cross-over” to be heard and passed a second time in the opposite chamber, before being sent to the Governor.
The following bills are headed into crossover, bringing them one step closer to Governor Youngkin’s desk:
“Protect Virginia’s Health Workers Board of Medicine” bill (SB716 & HB519)
 Patroned by Senator Jennifer Caroll Foy and Delegate Candi Mundon King this crucial legislation prohibits the Board of Medicine from taking arbitrary disciplinary actions against medical professionals who provide legal abortion care to out-of-state patients.  As the landscape of reproductive healthcare evolves in the wake of a post-Roe reality, Virginia has emerged as a vital access point for abortion care in a region where other states have restricted these essential services for millions of people seeking care.
Contraceptive Equity Act (SB238 & HB2089) 
The bill expands access to contraceptive care by requiring insurers, corporations, and health maintenance organizations to offer expansive coverage for contraceptive drugs and devices, without cost-sharing or other medically unnecessary roadblocks.
 Menstrual Data Privacy- (SB16 & HB78) 
Prohibits search warrants or subpoenas from being issued for menstrual data that is stored on third-party apps and other digital networks and devices used to track period health.
Extradition Prohibition, Reproductive Health Services- (SB16 & HB1539) 

Establishes protections for patients who come to Virginia to receive reproductive healthcare services that are legal in Virginia from being extradited and criminalized by another state where these services may be banned.

“In a post-Roe world, where our federal right to abortion has been stripped away, it is more crucial than ever to safeguard abortion access and bodily autonomy, and to protect our indefatigable providers,” states Tarina Keene, Executive Director of REPRO Rising Virginia. “Abortion is legal and accessible in Virginia, and anyone who comes to the Commonwealth seeking care or any provider who provides that care within our borders should be protected from unwarranted attacks. Each person deserves the ability to navigate their unique healthcare journey with dignity, respect, and the full protection of their rights. Reproductive Freedom is the cornerstone of bodily autonomy, equality, and justice. Virginians have spoken time again that they support abortion rights and access and do not want politicians interfering in their personal medical decisions. Elected officials would be wise to heed their demands.”
“Each of us should have the power to make decisions about our own bodies and reproductive lives, without interference or targeted criminalization.  We applaud leaders in the General Assembly who are being proactive and to advance legislation that protects patients and providers and expands our communities’ access to a range of reproductive healthcare services,” says Lexi White, Policy Director of REPRO Rising Virginia.  
REPRO Rising Virginia works to ensure real, reliable, affordable, and timely access to abortion, contraception, and other reproductive health services for every person in Virginia. Through policy, elections, and our advocacy programs, we fight for every Virginian’s right to Reproductive Freedom. 

Video: At Press Conference, Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07) Urges Speaker Mike Johnson to Bring Bipartisan National Security Bill to U.S. House Floor, Deliver Aid for Ukraine, Israel, & Taiwan

By
Blue Virginia
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6

From Rep. Abigail Spanberger (D-VA07)’s office:

ICYMI: At Press Conference, Spanberger Urges Speaker Johnson to Bring Bipartisan National Security Bill to U.S. House Floor, Deliver Aid for Ukraine, Israel, & Taiwan

Congresswoman: “Are We, The United States of America — The Most Extraordinary Nation on Earth — Going to Walk Away from What is Our Responsibility?”

**DOWNLOADABLE VIDEO: At Press Conference, Spanberger Makes Case for Bipartisan National Security Package, Urges Speaker Johnson to Bring U.S. Senate-Passed Bill to U.S. House Floor for Vote**

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger — a former CIA case officer and Member of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee — yesterday urged U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring the U.S. Senate-passed bipartisan national security package to the U.S. House floor for a vote. The U.S. Senate passed the legislation by a vote of 70-29 early Tuesday morning.

At a press conference alongside U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and fellow U.S. House Democratic colleagues who served previously in military and national security roles, Spanberger spoke to the United States’ role of global leadership, responsibility to protect democratic principles, and duty to stand up to U.S. adversaries. Additionally, she stressed how support for allied nations and partners is consistent with U.S. national security interests.

Click here to watch her full remarks, and a full transcript of Spanberger’s comments is below.

—

I just returned from a [congressional delegation visit] to Ukraine where we sat down with Ukrainian leaders — military leaders, intelligence leaders, and the President — and spoke of the extraordinary work that they are doing on the battlefield to protect their nation, to protect democratic values, and to seek freedom.

This moment is existential. It is not an exaggeration to say that this vote is absolutely one of the most important votes that we will cast in the House of Representatives, because when we look at the reality on the ground, in a world where Vladimir Putin invaded Ukraine and the Ukrainians are doing the fighting to free their own country and fight for democratic values, all they need is a bit of help.

When we look at the fact that Vladimir Putin is indeed meeting with Hamas leadership — when we look at the fact that Iranian drones are flying into Ukraine and attempting to attack Israeli civilians, what stands in the way of that? U.S. aid, funding for the Iron Dome, support to our allies in the Middle East.

And when so many of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle speak consistently of their worries about China, confronting China, and here we have a chance to ensure that Taiwan is able to defend itself if China were ever to aggress against Taiwan, they’re not taking up the bill for a vote. This is a moment where when we look at which way is the world going to orient — is it going to orient towards freedom? Is it going to orient towards the United States? Is it going to orient towards democracy?

Or are we, the United States of America — the most extraordinary nation on Earth — going to walk away from what is our responsibility, to walk away from what are our own national security priorities and interests, and allow the defeat of Ukraine, allow the abandonment of our allies, and allow for our foes to rise up allied with one another in destruction of, and certainly against, the democratic principles that every single Member of the House of Representatives should be voting to support.

—

When asked about the potential for U.S. House Republicans to propose an alternate border security and foreign aid bill, Spanberger reiterated her belief that Congress must fix the United States’ broken immigration system, but underscored the urgency with which aid to allies must be delivered.

“While I appreciate that some of my colleagues now want to have conversations about what has been a broken system for years upon years, it’s too late to start fresh. The reality is that our Ukrainian allies on the battlefield need us to pass this supplemental — again, we need to pass it for our own national security interests — but if we are going to see the defeat of Vladimir Putin by the Ukrainian army, that support cannot wait another four or five months to then again potentially see, via social media pronouncements, the former President proclaim that he wants the House to take down such an effort. The United States Senate passed this bill with 70 votes. We have to bring this bill up. We have to do it immediately.”

BACKGROUND

Last week, Spanberger joined a bipartisan, official congressional delegation to Kyiv, Ukraine with fellow Members of the U.S. House Intelligence Committee to meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The group discussed the ongoing war in Ukraine and underscored the need for continued military aid to the U.S. ally in their fight against Putin’s invasion.

Wednesday News: “Republicans amass a record of loss under Trump”; “Unconstitutional,” “Petty” House GOP Impeachment of Alejandro Mayorkas; GOP Has “become yet another subsidiary of Trump Inc.”; “Ted Leonsis’s Suburban Dreams Are Drowning In Glenn Youngkin’s Big Fat Mouth”

By
lowkell
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36

by Lowell

Here are a few international, national and Virginia news headlines, political and otherwise, for Wednesday, February 14.

Criminal Law Basics

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Blue Virginia
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2

SPONSORED CONTENT

 Criminal Law Basics

Many mistakenly assume that a criminal charge only comes to people asking for it. But the reality is no one is immune to a criminal charge which makes having a basic understanding of the basics of criminal law important.

A crime is any act or lack of action that violates a law punishable by the state or federal government. A crime is usually a behavior harmful to another person but includes conduct considered harmful to society. 

It Includes Actions and Inactions

All crimes fall into two broad categories: crimes of commission and crimes of omission. A crime of commission occurs when a person takes an active role in committing an illegal act. On the other hand, a crime of omission involves the failure to do something that is required by law. 

Crimes of commission include murder, theft, fraud, and other offenses. Conversely, crimes of omission include failure to report a crime, pay taxes, provide necessary care to a dependent, pay child support, and fail to comply with regulations, among others.

Elements of a Crime

Crimes are defined by state and federal laws and created by the government’s legislative arm. In most cases, crimes that occur in a state will be under the state’s jurisdiction. 

“However, if the crime crosses state lines, it will fall under the federal government’s purview. Sometimes, an accused person can face charges on a state and federal level for the same crime,” says criminal defense attorney Brian Leifert. of Leifert & Leifert. 

The statutes establishing an offense also define its elements. All crimes have three main elements: 

  • Actus Reus: This is criminal conduct prohibited by law. The prosecution must prove that the defendant committed the act in question and that it violated a specific statute
  • Mens Rea: Mens Rea refers to the mental state of the accused person at the time of the act. The prosecution must prove that the defendant intended to commit the act or acted while knowing the action was illegal 
  • Causation: Causation refers to the connection between the accused’s conduct and the harm resulting from it 

Categories of Crimes

While all crimes involve breaking the law, the severity differs, and so do the resulting harm and penalties. As a result, crimes fall into three categories based on their severity. The first class of crimes is infractions and violations. Infractions and violations are minor offenses that typically result in fines or other minor penalties, such as traffic tickets. In rare cases, the penalties can include jail time, which may not be more than a few days.

Misdemeanors are crimes that are more severe than infractions and carry penalties not exceeding two years in jail. Examples of misdemeanor crimes include vandalism, petty theft, possession of small quantities of illegal drugs, etc.

Felonies are the most severe class of crimes, with penalties exceeding two years in jail to life or death. Common felonies include rape, child pornography, murder, manslaughter, grand theft, embezzlement, etc.

Your Rights

The law guarantees every accused person of unalienable rights, including the right to remain silent, a fair and public trial, legal representation, and the right to be informed of charges. 

You also have a right to confront witnesses, the right to a jury trial, the right to due process, and the right to appeal. 

If you are faced with a criminal charge, the best way of ensuring you get a fair outcome is navigating the case with the help of a lawyer, which you could hire or have appointed by the court. 

 

Virginia Crossover Day: Status of the Progressive Agenda

By
Blue Virginia
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5

Great stuff from Progress Virginia:

Crossover Day: Status of the Progressive Agenda

Richmond, Virginia—February 13 is Crossover Day in the General Assembly. Here’s a recap of the status of several crucial bills, broken down by issue area and current posture.

“Our community has been very clear: we demand a safer, more progressive Commonwealth where everyone’s rights are protected, and working families have what they need to grow and thrive,” said LaTwyla Mathias, Executive Director of Progress VA. “People in our community sent these legislators to Richmond to get things done, and as we move into crossover, we have a lot to celebrate. As bills move through their last hurdles before ending up on the Governor’s desk, we will turn our attention to Governor Glenn Youngkin. His job is to serve all of the people of Virginia, not just his wealthy donors, and we are going to work hard to make sure that he signs these important bills into law.”

Reproductive Rights

Passed:

  • SB238: ensures insurance companies are required to pay for birth control
  • SB237: establishes a proactive  right to obtain contraception
  • HB78: prevents the Commonwealth from using its warrant powers to access people’s personal data from menstrual tracking apps

Failed or Tabled: 

  • HR5: an anti-abortion resolution designed to shame people who have abortions (tabled)
  • HB664: an anti-abortion bill that stokes fear and spreads misinformation about  abortion
  • HB1364: a total abortion ban with very narrow exceptions (passed by indefinitely)
  • HB8: would have allowed health care providers & facilities to opt out of providing any medical care they disagreed with, including abortion care

Pending or Continued: 

  • SB278: a bill to ensure that everyone can access abortion care provided regardless of gender identity (continued to 2025)
  • SJ1 & HJ1: a constitutional amendment establishing a fundamental right to reproductive freedom (continued to 2025)

Healthcare

Passed: 

  • SB231: Cover All Kids, a bill to expand Medicaid coverage to all eligible kids in the Commonwealth regardless of immigration status (a companion bill, HB902, was tabled in the house)
  • HB935: allows doula care to be covered by medical insurance

Failed or Tabled:

  • HB970: House companion to SB231/Cover All Kids (tabled)
  • HB560: would have required infertility treatment to be covered by insurance (tabled)

Labor & The Economy

Passed:

  • SB1: raises the minimum wage to $13.50 effective starting January 1st, 2025, and again to $15 effective the following year
  • HB1: House companion to SB1, which raises the minimum wage
  • SB373: establishes a fund for statewide paid family and medical leave (a House companion, HB737, was left in Appropriations.)
  • HB157: allows farmworkers to be covered by minimum wage protections for the first time

Failed or Tabled:

  • SB374: supported collective bargaining by public employees (left in Appropriations)

Pending or Continued: 

  • SB183, would allow taxpayers to take a 20% refundable earned income tax credit, helping low income families keep more money in their pockets (continued to 2025)
  • HB348: establishes paid sick leave for home health care workers (continued to 2025)
  • HB865: Fair Share Tax: establishes a new tax bracket for millionaires (continued to 2025)

Environmental Justice

Passed:

  • SB480 would keep utility companies from disconnecting services during extreme temperatures, during a state of emergency, and on days when the next day is a state holiday. This bill passed the Senate 40-0.

Failed or Tabled:

  •  HB28: establishes a moratorium on fossil fuels by state agencies (tabled)

Pending or Continued: 

  • SB233 would allow religious organizations to aid in the affordable housing crisis by permitting them to construct affordable housing on real estate they owned (continued to 2025)

Equality

Passed:

Failed or Tabled:

  • HB670:  would have forced teachers and guidance counselors to out trans kids and put them in potentially unsafe situations (passed by indefinitely)
  • SB723: would have banned trans athletes from participation in sports (passed by indefinitely)

Pending or Continued: 

  • SJ11: a constitutional amendment to repeal the provision defining marriage as between one man and one woman; establishes an affirmative right to marry regardless of race, sex or gender (continued to 2025)
  • HJ9: House companion of SJ11 (continued to 2025)

Education

Passed:

  • SB104: aims to give teachers a much-needed pay raise, requiring them to be paid at or above the national average
  • HB1221: ensures  menstrual health education in health classes

Pending or Continued: 

  • HB500: reworks K-12 SOLs and allows them to be given in languages other than English for English language learners (continued to 2025)

Gun Violence Prevention

Passed:

  • SB2 bans assault weapons and weapons of war from being sold or possessed in the Commonwealth
  • HB2: House companion for SB2
  • HB173: prohibits “ghost guns” that can evade metal detectors and lack serial numbers
  • HB454: prevents carrying firearms near or on Capitol Square
  • HB585: prevents carrying, selling, and buying firearms near schools
  • HB498: establishes a notification system to remind parents to safely store their firearms in the household

Failed or Tabled:

  • HB1030: would have permitted unlicensed carrying of firearms (tabled)
  • HB1230: would have allowed school board members to carry a firearm on school grounds (passed by indefinitely)

Voting Rights

Failed or Tabled:

  • HB1176: would have rolled back the early voting period and established onerous voter ID provisions (tabled)
  • HB932 and HB44: would have rolled back the early voting period (tabled)
  • HB393: would have established further barriers to voting and rolled back several critical election reforms (tabled)
  • SB42: would have rolled back the early voting period (passed by indefinitely)
  • SB81: would have restricted types of voter IDs, making it more difficult for  people in marginalized communities to vote (passed by indefinitely)
  • SB45, a bill requiring photo identification to vote, which would disproportionately impact older and low-income voters (incorporated into SB81 then passed by indefinitely)

Pending or Continued:

  • SJ2: constitutional amendment to establish a fundamental right to vote, including for returning citizens (continued to 2025)
  • HJ2: House companion  for SJ2 (continued to 2025)
  • HB941: establishes absentee voting in person by incorporating voter satellite offices (continued to 2025)

General Assembly Advances Bipartisan Legislation to Make Medicine More Affordable for Virginians

By
Blue Virginia
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4

Good stuff, although is there any chance Youngkin will sign anything that’s remotely progressive?

General Assembly Advances Bipartisan Legislation to Make Medicine More Affordable for Virginians
Senate and House Pass Bills to Create Prescription Drug Affordability Board, Increase Transparency for Pharmacy Benefit Managers

RICHMOND, Va. —  Legislation to expand access to Paid Family and Medical Leave passed the Virginia Senate today on a 21 to 19 vote. Senate Bill 373, carried by Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax), would create a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) insurance program in Virginia. This critical policy would ensure covered employees can take up to 12 weeks of paid time away from work to care for themselves or a family member – without sacrificing economic security.

“I have been proud to lead this fight in the General Assembly since 2019.  Today, my colleagues in the Senate took action to support hardworking families, particularly women, by voting to create a 12-week paid family and medical leave insurance program,” said Senator Jennifer Boysko (D-Fairfax). “It’s far past time to give parents and caregivers the tools they need to care for their families emotionally, physically and financially, and this landmark legislation is a huge step in the right direction.”

SB 373 would ensure Virginians have affordable paid leave, a critical need for the 78% of Virginia workers – roughly 3.4 million – without access to this tool.The bill would create an insurance program and fund to ensure a covered employee is paid during their leave.  For an employee earning $50,000 per year, the employer and employee would each pay an estimated $4.57 per week into the fund. The amount paid to workers while they are away will vary depending on income, but will typically be 80 percent of the worker’s regular pay.

“The current patchwork of federal, state and employer-based leave policies are not working for anyone, especially not domestic workers,” said Yanet Limon-Amado, Virginia State Director Care in Action. “We are glad to see the Senate of Virginia taking action to ensure all workers have access to adequate paid leave.”

In a survey of employers in a state that recently adopted Paid Family and Medical Leave, nearly 93 percent of respondents found that implementing the program had either positive or neutral effects on their businesses. Small businesses reported benefitting more than big businesses.

“A state-run paid family and medical leave program gives small businesses like mine a better opportunity at retaining, recruiting employees and competing with larger companies for quality talent,” said Shirley Mae Modlin, owner of 3D Design and Manufacturing, LLC and member of Small Business Majority’s Virginia Small Business Council. “Implementing paid family and medical leave is a commonsense policy that the Commonwealth should get behind. We are very close to enacting paid family and medical leave in Virginia, which would be a major step forward for the small business community and a boon for a state’s economy.”

Across the country, momentum has been growing for providing necessary economic support for hardworking people. Thirteen states and the District of Columbia guarantee access to Paid Family and Medical Leave, including Minnesota and Maine, which passed legislation in 2023. Virginia has the opportunity to continue the momentum with this landmark pro-business, pro-working people legislation.

“I am glad to see Senators stepping up to create a Paid Family and Medical Leave program in Virginia,” said Chrischa Ives, a Virginian impacted by the lack of Paid Family and Medical Leave. “I should never have had to choose between taking care of my daughter and keeping my paycheck, and too many families across the Commonwealth have experienced similar struggles. Hopefully families in the future won’t have to make the same choices.”

If women in Virginia participated in the labor force at the same rate as women in countries with paid leave, there would be an estimated 73,000 additional workers in the state and $2.7 billion more wages earned statewide.

“We support this legislation because we believe in a fair and affordable economy where you have the opportunity to thrive,” said Rhena Hicks, Executive Director of Freedom Virgina. “We need to pass this legislation through the House of Delegates to ensure that those who take time off to welcome a new child, care for a loved one, or heal themselves do not have to sacrifice a paycheck and their economic security.”
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Freedom Virginia is a nonpartisan 501(c)4 organization committed to building a Commonwealth where all Virginia families have the freedom to thrive. Freedom Virginia advances economic security policies through grassroots activism, voter engagement and legislative advocacy. Our efforts began in 2020 and since then we’ve pushed for a more economically secure Virginia by sharing real stories about Virginians’ lack of access to affordable healthcare, education, energy, and the need for policies that foster more safety for families. Visit our website at freedomva.org to learn more. 

Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, Who Represents the Potomac Yard Area in the House of Delegates, Says “I cannot in good faith vote for [the proposed Wizards/Caps arena bill] without more information…”

By
Blue Virginia
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From Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker, the former Vice Mayor of Alexandria who currently represents the Potomac Yard area as part of her House of Delegates district…

I will be voting no today on the bill before us to create the Virginia Sports and Entertainment Authority and Financing Fund.

I represent constituents who are adamantly opposed to the proposed Potomac Yard arena and entertainment district, I represent constituents who enthusiastically support it, and I represent constituents who are not sure.

Having served on City Council, I know the serious economic challenges that we face as a community, especially because Alexandria has to fund so much of our local services and infrastructure itself. I understand why our City Council wants the opportunity to continue to evaluate this proposal with our community – it could be an unprecedented economic development opportunity to diversify our tax base, which currently falls disproportionately on our residents. This was an issue before the pandemic, and it has only worsened since, with demand for office space plummeting. Without economic development, the financial needs of our City – from paying our first responders and teachers, to renovating and building schools, to funding infrastructure to mitigate flooding – will only be paid for through increased real estate taxes. However, I also know there are many questions about the financials and I have not yet seen the third-party review that the state has procured.

The proposal would have a significant impact on transportation in our community. Despite the Governor’s recently released transportation study, there remain a lot of concerns and questions. Besides the effects of the proposal on Route 1 and surrounding roads, and the critical, long-term investment needed for WMATA regardless of this proposal, it is unclear what the Commonwealth is actually committing to in terms of transportation funds.

Our community also cares about housing and this proposal could create a lot of affordable housing. The district would catalyze and create affordable housing units, and provide dedicated local funding through our local meals tax and property tax, as well as dedicated state funding for the Housing Trust Fund. However, residents of Arlandria need commitments that they will not be displaced in the near-future, before those effects may be realized.

Our community also cares about workers. We want assurances that workers across the entertainment district, during construction and operation, would have good-paying jobs through Project Labor and Labor Peace Agreements. The Governor’s Administration has made no such commitments.

Finally, if this bill were to move forward, our representation on the Authority needs to be increased. The original bill only gave Alexandria one-third of members on the authority. The substitute adds members, diluting Alexandria’s representation to only one-fifth of the membership. That is unacceptable for a project that would so dramatically affect our community.

Over the past few months, I have been continually frustrated with the Youngkin Administration and their lack of forthcomingness. The Administration has failed to share important details and failed to give good-faith guarantees for workers and worker protections.

Given the significant impacts the proposed entertainment district would have on our community, I cannot in good faith vote for this without more information on the financing of the project, a more sustained commitment to WMATA funding, state funded transportation improvements to mitigate its effects, protections for workers, displacement protections for Arlandria residents, and appropriate representation of Alexandrians on the Authority.

Warmly,

Elizabeth
Elizabeth Bennett-Parker
Delegate
Virginia’s 5th District

www.ElizabethforDelegate.com
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