Since I last wrote, legislation that would allow some of the worst criminals in Virginia to have a “second look” at their sentences by a court after 15 to 25 years moved forward in committee - but not without significant controversy.
Victims of some of the most heinous crimes drove from all over Virginia to testify and ask the House to block this legislation, keep these criminals behind bars, and to keep them from having to relive the worst times of their lives over and over again at “second look” hearings.
The way they were received was terrible. Democrats gave families a total of six minutes combined to tell the stories of their loved ones. One mother, whose son died in her arms, sought just one minute to talk. She was turned away. The bill continues to move through the process. I remain opposed to this legislation, and will update you as the session continues.
Additional legislation to reduce penalties for drug possession moved through the House, but not without impassioned testimony from my Republican colleagues that understand the reality of the dangers of fentanyl.
More bad news… Democratic members of a House Labor and Commerce Committee subpanel tabled House Bill 3 from Del. Tony Wilt, R-Harrisonburg, and House Bill 693 from Del. Lee Ware, R-Powhatan. The two bills were the last remaining legislative measures that would have moved to repeal or at least delay the Commonwealth’s electric vehicle mandate.
We anticipate hearing over 200+ bills on second reading Monday, including bills that could potentially legalize doctor assisted suicide, change the limits on abortion, and more.
