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 Update

I'm happy to report that the Special Session has been going well, and two of my bills have passed their first committee hearings! SB 5018, which allows the Virginia Parole Board to grant compassionate release for terminally ill, physically disabled, and geriatric prisoners passed 8-7 in the Senate Rehabilitation and Social Services Committee, and SB 5086, which requires landlords to provide tenants with a payment plan instead of evicting, was incorporated into SB 5088, which is a similar bill by Sen. Adam Ebbin. SB 5088 is going forward out of the Senate General Laws and Technology Committee. These are two common sense bills, and I look forward to making sure they go forward.

If you want to track the bills I'm putting forward this session, you can follow along here.

Rent Assistance

Last week, Loudoun County launched their new application for its rental assistance program. Those who qualify for the program and are accepted will have their rental payments made directly to their landlords for up to six months. You can apply for the program here.

Coronavirus Numbers (8/23)

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