Tag: General Assembly
New Virginia law gives students an excused absence for a civic or political event
Gov. Northam signs new laws. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam has signed 80 new pieces of legislation into law that were passed by the 2021 General Assembly. Here are some highlights: Student civic engagement – The Virginia Department is Education is directed to establish guidelines that allow an excused absence for middle and high school students … Continued
Holly Hazard to run against Del. Kaye Kory in Democratic Primary
Holly Hazard (right) talks to residents about their concerns. Social justice advocate Holly Hazard is challenging long-time House of Delegates member Kaye Kory in the Democratic Primary. The primary is June 8. Hazard, a Mason District resident for more than 30 years, wants to bring a new viewpoint to the General Assembly.
Virginia legislature passes bill on legalizing recreational marijuana
Virginia lawmakers approved legislation to legalize marijuana for recreational use, beginning in 2024. Gov. Ralph Northam is expected to sign the measure, which focuses on ending inequities in the criminal justice system. Several lawmakers said they hope Northam will propose amendments to speed up legalization and strengthen the provisions to promote racial equity.
Laws protecting nursing homes from COVID-related liability needn’t stop suits against Annandale Healthcare Center
Chris Duncan holds a portrait of his mother at an event at the Washington monument in September honoring the lives lost to COVID-19 and protesting the lack of a national policy to contain the pandemic. Constance Duncan contracted COVID at the Annandale Healthcare Center. Legislation approved by the Virginia General Assembly during the special session … Continued
Virginia decriminalizes marijuana
A Beyond Hello medical marijuana dispensary owned by the Jushi Co. The company plans to open a state-approved dispensary in Manassas. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law several bills May 21 passed by the General Assembly relating to the decriminalization of marijuana possession. The new laws take effect July 1. Anyone caught by the … Continued
Historic gun safety legislation enacted in Virginia
Members of Moms Demand Action (right) watch the General Assembly consider gun legislation in January. Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam signed into law several bills passed by the General Assembly aimed at reducing gun violence, including the following: Senate bill 70 (incorporating House bill 2) requires background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, including those … Continued
Virginia repeals overly restrictive abortion rules
Tarina Keane, executive director of NARAL Pro-Choice VA, speaks in January in support of legislation to overturn restrictive anti-abortion laws. Legislation enacted in Virginia, signed by Gov. Ralph Northam April 9, repeal medically unnecessary restrictions on women’s reproductive health. Senate Bill 733 and House Bill 980 eliminate the requirement of an ultrasound and a mandatory … Continued
Virginia General Assembly approves bills on taxes, guns, marijuana, and much more
The General Assembly The Virginia General Assembly has mostly wrapped up for the year – except for a budget bill that is expected to be approved March 12. Some of the bills being sent to Gov. Ralph Northam, include the following: Taxes – The gas tax would be raised 5 cents a year over the … Continued