Democrats – led by Gov. Ralph Northam – came to Richmond prepared to rewrite many of Virginia’s criminal justice laws. But not everyone sees eye-to-eye on the best approach, even those urging reform. “The goal is to call attention to ...

Tagged with: General Assembly

A name change and a political shift distinguish the 2020 versions of the General Assembly’s committees overseeing Virginia’s courts. The Senate voted Jan. 8 to change the name of what had been the Committee for Courts of Justice to the ...

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Twenty-three new members of the General Assembly joined the House and Senate on Jan. 8. Of these 23 members, five are practicing lawyers – and all of them are in the House. Still, only 36 of the 140 legislators are ...

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The past year was a good year for animal welfare advocates at the General Assembly. “Overall, [last year’s] General Assembly brought significant victories for Virginia’s dogs and cats,” said Matthew Gray of the Virginia Humane Society. Legislators mandated that pets ...

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Legislators had tough questions this month for a handful of Virginia trial judges seeking new terms on the bench. Five of the 47 judges appearing before General Assembly panelists were asked to explain low marks on their bench performance. The ...

Tagged with: General Assembly Judge Interviews Judicial Performance Evaluation

With the 2020 Assembly session just weeks away, legislators are putting the final touches on bills they hope to introduce. Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, has a long list of family law legislation he will advance. “I have a couple I’ve ...

Tagged with: Family Law General Assembly

Democrats are eagerly making legislative wish lists as they anticipate their new-found dominance in the halls of state government when the General Assembly convenes Jan. 8. On Nov. 18, Attorney General Mark R. Herring announced his priorities for “a more ...

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The Supreme Court of Virginia may question a state lawyer-legislator next month about his extended use of the state’s legislative continuance privilege. Del. Jeffrey Campbell, R-Marion, has used the legislative continuance statute to delay a Supreme Court appeal for more ...

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The Medical Society of Virginia will focus on Medicaid expansion and the elimination of “surprise billing” during the 2020 General Assembly session, according to the group’s new president. Clifford L. Deal III, chief of surgery at Henrico Doctors’ Hospital, was ...

Tagged with: General Assembly Medical Society of Virginia

The 2019 General Assembly was good for kids, to hear reports from child advocates and family law attorneys. Legislators approved and funded a plan to boost oversight of largely autonomous local welfare offices that run Virginia’s foster care system. The ...

Tagged with: Domestic Relations Family Law General Assembly