Dear Jack,

I hope you and your family are doing well during these tough times. We'll be sending out weekly Bulletins to update you on all the information you need in the 13th District.

Session Week 2 Recap

The 2021 regular session is now in full swing, and I'm proud to say that five of my bills have now made it out of committee:

SB 1239, which would allow registrars to hire third party contractors to print, assemble, and mail absentee ballots;

SB 1279, which would direct the Department of Veterans Services to develop a program to decrease unemployment among military service members, veterans, and their spouses;

SB 1280, which would allow the Soil and Water Conservation Board to settle with dam owners and require them to fix any deficiencies and pay civil charges for safety violations;

SB 1298, which would authorize localities to create tourism improvement districts to boost local businesses; and

SB 1299, which authorizes restaurants to continue the current pandemic practice of selling mixed drinks for off-premises consumption in order to help restaurants stay afloat. This bill has not only reported out of committee, but has also now passed the Senate as a whole and will be going to the House of Delegates.

In addition, SR 91, my resolution censuring Senator Amanda Chase for her role in the January 6th insurrection at the Capitol, reported from committee last week, and will be going forward to Senate floor this week.

Coronavirus Numbers 1/24

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