Voting Rights
SB 688 Would allow private high school photo IDs and out-of-state university photo IDs to be used as proof of identity for voting.
Jobs
SB 1002 Encourages local workforce training boards to incentivize pay-for-performance.
Social & Criminal Justice
SB 686 Lowers the penalty for possession of a small amount of marijuana from a criminal offense to a civil fine.
SJ 276 Repeals the requirement for suspension of a driver’s license for marijuana possession.
SB 1180 Requires court to consider any history of abuse including persons outside of the immediate family in determining the best interests of the child for custody and visitation.
SJ 216 Ratifies the Equal Rights Amendment to the US Constitution.
SB 1298 Streamlines court apperance requirements for defendants charged with capital murder who are “unrestorably incompetent.”
Gun Violence Prevention
SB 1178 Omnibus anti-gun violence reform:
- Makes it illegal to operate or carry a firearm while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Requires a universal background check, closing the gun show loophole.
- Requires an in-person (rather than online) course for proof of competency to obtain a concealed carry handgun permit.
- Reestablishes a one-gun-a-month purchase limit.
SB 1179 Prohibits adults from allowing children 4 years of age or younger from handling a firearm and requires that children ages 5-12 are supervised by an adult.
LGBT Equality
SB 682 Removes code provisions prohibiting same-sex marriage.
SJ 214 Repeals the Virginia constitutional amendment that prohibits same-sex marriage.
SB 1181 Prohibits LGBT discrimination in public employment.
SB 1211 Makes code language inclusive of all spouses.
Health Care
SB 857 Requires hospitals to give patients notice when changed to “observation status.”
Tax Fairness
SB 1004 Establishes an excise tax on e-cigarettes at a lower amount than tobacco cigarettes.
SB 1210 Requires that online hotel booking companies remit the full Hotel Occupancy Tax to the Commonwealth, just as if rooms are booked directly through the hotel.
SB 1212 Removes the tax preference for yachts valued over $100,000.
Tax Refunds
SB 1005 Restores the option for individuals to receive their tax refund in the form of a check.
State Government
SJ 215 Allows for the Governor to serve for two consecutive terms.
SB 1289 Establishes the Virginia Independent Commission on Ethics, creates an electronic database for financial disclosures and limits the value of gifts to government officials.
SB 1213 Reestablishes the Commission on the Prevention of Human Trafficking which will develop strategies to combat human trafficking and provide recommendations for services to victims.
Local Government
SB 1214 Updates outdated provisions in Alexandria’s City Charter.
Animal Rights
SB 1215 Outlaws the possession and trade of ivory and rhinoceros horns.