As the General Assembly heads into the homestretch before Saturday's scheduled adjournment, the state budget is the dominant issue, but other noteworthy bills remain unresolved.
Here's a look at some of what's left:
Spending policies -- The 12 House and Senate negotiators who are hammering out a revised two-year, $77 billion budget are sparring over more than how to fund education, health care and public safety -- and how to parcel out federal stimulus money -- amid the state's $3.7 billion shortfall. The budget is also a vehicle for policy language on which the
House of Delegates -- led by Republicans -- and the state
Senate -- led by Democrats -- disagree.
For example, the House version of the budget would require public colleges and universities to reserve 70 percent of future enrollment growth for Virginia students. The Senate budget includes no such language.
The Senate budget endorses a version of Gov. Timothy M. Kaine's proposal to save money by allowing release of some nonviolent offenders up to 90 days early. The House opposes the idea.
The House backs Kaine's proposal to implement a cap on funding for school support personnel. The Senate opposes the cap.
Here are some other bills that remain in the balance:
Chaplains' prayers -- Today, the Senate Courts of Justice Committee is likely to vote on House Bill 2314, a measure by Del. Charles W. Carrico Sr., R-Grayson, that would prohibit the Virginia State Police from regulating voluntary chaplains' pray-ers at public events.
While the House voted 66-30 to approve the bill, the Senate committee takes a dim view of the measure. Last month, the panel voted down a Senate version of the bill.
'Triggerman rule' -- Kaine is again likely to get -- and veto -- legislation that would expand capital punishment by doing away with the "triggerman rule" under which only the person who actually committed a capital murder is eligible for the death penalty. Senate Bill 961, sponsored by Sen. Mark D. Obenshain, R-Harrisonburg, and House Bill 2358, sponsored by Del. C. Todd Gilbert, R-Shenandoah, would make an accomplice in a capital murder eligible for the death penalty. Texting while driving -- The state Senate will take up House Bill 1876, by Del. John A. Cosgrove, R-Chesapeake, that would make it illegal to send a text message while driving. A driver could be charged only if pulled over for another reason. A first offense would result in a $20 fine. Any additional offense would cost the driver $50. Payday lending -- The House and Senate apparently have reached agreement on legislation to block payday lenders from getting around new restrictions on high-cost instant loans. Senate Bill 1470, sponsored by
Sen. Richard L. Saslaw, D-Fairfax, would force lenders to choose. They could offer either payday loans or high-interest open-ended loans, not both. Saslaw's bill is headed for a vote on the floor of the
House.
Election laws -- The Senate will take a final vote on Cosgrove's House Bill 1878, meant to clarify Virginia's election laws. For example, the measure clarifies that on Election Day, voters may wear clothing that endorses a candidate without violating the law against electioneering near the polls. The measure also requires the
State Board of Elections to establish uniform guidelines as to a voter's residence. During the November election, registrars in some college towns struggled to determine whether college students could vote in those localities.
Attorney general -- Bob McDonnell left office Friday to campaign for governor full time. Lawmakers this week are expected to endorse McDonnell's chief deputy, William C. Mims, as his successor.
Contact Andrew Cain at (804) 649-6645 or acain@timesdispatch.com.
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