What's happening at the Capitol today?
In the countdown to the General Assembly's scheduled adjournment Saturday, two issues are standing between lawmakers and the door: the budget and anti-discrimination protections for gay state workers.
Health-insurance mandates rejected
The General Assembly told President Barack Obama and Congress yesterday that they cannot make Virginians buy health insurance. Gov. Bob McDonnell said he will sign the legislation.
The Associated Press said Virginia is the first state to vote to reject federal mandates. A majority of the 39 House Democrats voted with Republicans in passing the Health Care Freedom Act.
McDonnell signs bills for offshore drilling
Gov. Bob McDonnell signed two bills yesterday that would allow drilling for oil and gas off the coast of Virginia, if the federal government approves. McDonnell acknowledged that drilling is a long way off, even if the federal government approves next year.
Glen Besa, Virginia director of the Sierra Club, called the bill-signing ceremony a "publicity stunt" designed to distract attention from budget cuts and layoffs.
Mims is elected to Va. Supreme Court
The General Assembly unanimously elected Bill Mims, a former attorney general and member of the state Senate, to a vacancy on the Virginia Supreme Court yesterday.
The popular Mims succeeds Justice Barbara M. Keenan, who recently was appointed to the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Concealed-weapons bills OK'd by Senate
The Senate yesterday approved two controversial House of Delegates gun bills that will allow permit holders to carry concealed handguns into bars and non-permit holders to conceal their firearms in cars.
House Bill 505 (bars) and House Bill 885 (cars) essentially were identical to two Senate-sponsored bills that already had passed the chamber and were approved by the House.
All four bills now head to Gov. Bob McDonnell, who has indicated he will sign them.
Bills to safeguard Va. schoolchildren
Two bills designed to safeguard Virginia schoolchildren in the cafeteria and on the field of play are heading to the desk of Gov. Bob McDonnell after passing the Senate and House.
One bill requires the state Board of Education to develop nutritional guidelines and regulations governing what kind of food can be sold in public schools during the school day.
The other requires the board to develop regulations and policies governing the treatment of student-athletes who suffer concussions.
Democrats amend license-plate bill
Senate Democrats attached a floor amendment to the omnibus license-plate bill that adds the plate "Trust Women/Respect Choice" to a bill that includes other specialty plates including the "Friends of Coal" and the Washington Capitals hockey team charities.
In an earlier bill sponsored by the Senate, House Republicans had changed the revenue destination for the pro-abortion-rights plate. Planned Parenthood of Virginia was replaced with an anti-abortion organization.
The bill now is likely headed to a conference committee. -- From Staff Reports
We'll keep you updated throughout the day at TimesDispatch.com, keyword: politics.
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