Virginia’s newly elected Democratic Governor Abigail Spanberger, who campaigned as a moderate, has introduced a series of progressive bills that significantly alter the state's political landscape. This legislation targets election processes, criminal justice, gun control, and immigration enforcement.
1. Election Legislation:
• HB968: Mandates the use of ballot scanning machines and bans hand counting unless specified by law.
• HB773: Postpones the deadline for absentee ballot receipt and allows corrections after elections.
• HB82: Accepts absentee ballots up to three days post-election.
• HB1321: Removes the requirement for law enforcement to obtain vote tallies in a timely manner.
• HB965: Commits Virginia to give its electoral votes to the national popular vote winner.
• HB493: Allows disabled voters to submit absentee ballots online.
• HB162: Establishes public campaign financing for local elections.
2. Criminal Justice Reforms:
• HB357: Affects bond requirements for certain arrested individuals.
• HB853: Facilitates early release for convicted individuals.
• HB244: Reduces penalties for robbery.
• HB1070: Limits discussing a defendant's prior convictions in court.
• SB21: Transfers juvenile justice oversight to a health department.
• SB180: Reduces the duration courts can collect fines from 60 years to a maximum of 30 years.
3. Gun Control Measures:
• HB1359: Introduces permits for firearm purchases.
• HB217: Prohibits “assault weapon” sales.
• HB1015: Bars gun rights for those with misdemeanor hate crime convictions.
• HB926: Restricts shooting on small properties.
• HB626: Expands gun-free zones.
• HB916: Increases restrictions on concealed carry permits.
4. Immigration Enforcement Changes:
• HB1265: Prohibits ICE from making arrests in or near courthouses.
• HB1260: Prevents school employees from aiding ICE.
• HB1264: Mandates a state commission to monitor ICE activities.
The new legislative proposals under Governor Spanberger reflect a significant shift towards progressive policies in Virginia, impacting elections, criminal justice, gun rights, and immigration enforcement.
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