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Anticipation grows as Virginia's next General Assembly, due to convene on January 10, 2024, sees its senators and delegates kick off the legislative process. These lawmakers are not just dotting down ideas haphazardly; they've already started translating their goals into precise legislative language with the help of the Virginia Division of Legislative Services. The first batch of bills for January's consideration was tabled on November 20, marking the start of the 2024 session's official prefiling period.
What to expect in the forthcoming Session
Stakeholders across the spectrum, including Democrats and Republicans alike, are devising strategies to realize their critical priorities. With Democrats poised to control the House of Delegates and Senate, they intend to make significant policy strides. However, thin majority margins mean the path to actualizing all their objectives may not be a straight shot.
On the first day of bill filing, here are some of the early initiatives put forth to lawmakers:
Constitutional Amendments: The Right to an Abortion
Two notable bills - from Del. Charniele Herring (D-Alexandria) and a group of female Democratic senators are geared towards amending the state constitution. They aspire to assert every individual's fundamental right to reproductive freedom. They propose that this right must not be infringed on unless a compelling state interest necessitates it.
Felon Voting Rights: Amendment Proposal
Another pair of bills from Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker (D-Alexandria) and Sen. Mamie Locke (D-Hampton) aims to amend the Constitution to resurrect voting rights for those felons who have served their sentences. Virginia uniquely deprives all offenders of voting rights for life unless explicitly restored by the Governor, a situation the bill seeks to overhaul.
Aiding Soldier's Spouses with Property Tax Exemption
The General Assembly is considering extending property tax exemptions to spouses of soldiers who passed away in the line of duty. This bill, proposed by Del. Jeremy McPike (D-Prince William), could authorize a required referendum on this issue.
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State Minimum Wage, Set for an Increase
Building on a resolution passed by the Virginia General Assembly in 2020, Del. Jeion Ward (D-Hampton) and Sen. Louise Lucas (D-Portsmouth) advocate restarting the state minimum wage increase.
Assault Weapons: Proposed Ban
Del. Dan Helmer (D-Fairfax) and Sen. Creigh Deeds (D-Charlottesville) have introduced bills calling for a ban on assault firearms. The legislation avoids an all-encompassing ban by outlining exceptions for antique, permanently inoperable, and manually operated firearms.
Revocation of Virginia's Clean Cars Law
In a move that might draw mixed reactions, Del. Tony Wilt (R-Rockingham) and Sen. Richard Stuart (R-Westmoreland) are rallying behind bills that countermand the 2021 law that aligned Virginia's vehicle emissions standards with California, rather than adhering to the federal government's less stringent guidelines.
As the elements of these bills continue to evolve, it's crucial to understand how they could affect you. Don't hesitate to seek legal assistance to navigate these potential changes and ensure you're prepared. Harness the expertise of legal professionals to stay ahead of any legislative shifts that might influence your life.
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