Dear Jack,

I hope you and your family are staying safe and healthy during these difficult times. I'll be sending weekly Bulletins so that you have all the latest updates you need.

Special Session Priorities

The Virginia Senate Democratic Caucus last week unveiled our policing and criminal justice reform package, carried by Sen. Mamie Locke. The proposed legislation would ban no-knock raids, chokeholds, and sex between police officers and those under arrest. The package also requires police officers to use de-escalation tactics prior to using force, and prohibits firing at moving vehicles. In addition, the legislation allows for the creation of citizen review boards to discipline officers. 

In addition, Governor Northam has unveiled his priorities for the upcoming session, which include investments in rural broadband, safe and affordable housing, and historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs). He also has stated that he intends to extend the eviction moratorium through April 30th, 2021. In addition, the Governor stated that expanding criteria for decertifying police officers and standardizing law enforcement trainings were among his policing and criminal justice reform priorities.

Dog's Best Friend Award

Last week, I was truly honored to receive the Dog's Best Friend Award from PETA alongside Del. Mark Levine for our work on SB272, which went into effect on July 1st. SB272 prohibits cruel and dangerous tethering practices for dogs and other animals. This has been a bill that I have carried for years now, and I could not be happier to finally see it become law in the Commonwealth. 

Coronavirus Numbers (8/16)

As always, please reach out to my office if you need any assistance. My Senate email address is [email protected] and my in-district phone number is (571) 367-9080. I hope you and your family are able to stay safe and healthy during these challenging times.

Sincerely,

Senator John J. Bell