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The House and Senate take up their versions of the state's two-year, $85 billion budget.
Panel defeats bill targeting immigrants
The Senate Courts of Justice Committee on Wednesday defeated a bill that would have instructed law enforcement officers to make citizenship inquiries of everyone arrested in Virginia for any offense.
House Bill 1060, sponsored by Del. Richard L. Anderson, R-Prince William, was based on a similar law in effect in Prince William County.
The bill would have also required officers finding "probable cause" to believe that the person was not legally present in the U.S. to inform the judicial officer who would decide whether to grant bail.
Democrats and some law enforcement officials objected to the measure, saying it could lead to racial profiling and become an unwanted and potentially costly burden for police departments.
McDonnell to get 2nd bill on adoptions
Another version of legislation to allow private adoption agencies to refuse child placement to prospective parents based on the agencies' beliefs is on its way to Gov. Bob McDonnell's desk.
The House of Delegates on Wednesday approved a so-called "conscience clause" bill, sponsored by Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, on a 71-28 vote.
Earlier this week the Senate approved a similar House bill that delegates passed Feb. 3.
Both codify recently adopted state regulations governing the adoption and foster-care placement of children by state-funded agencies.
Opponents claim the measure is designed to allow adoption agencies to discriminate against same-sex couples. Supporters say it merely protects the religious rights of private agencies.
Delegates soundly defeated Democrats' attempts to amend the legislation.
House Minority Leader David J. Toscano, D-Charlottesville, said the bill "shifts the focus away ... from what's in the best interest of children."
Bolling urges GOP to change issues focus
An onslaught of negative publicity surrounding bills restricting abortion, relaxing gun regulations and imposing new rules for voting has Republican leaders trying to regain control of their legislative deliberations.
Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling stepped into the fray Wednesday with a letter to GOP lawmakers in both houses, gently urging them to re-emphasize conservative leadership in government reform, economic development, education and transportation.
"As you are well aware, during this year's legislative session there has been a concentrated effort on the part of some to suggest that our focus has been on other things," Bolling wrote. "You and I know that this is not the case, but we need to be mindful of this effort because in politics perception can sometimes be reality."
He added: "As we enter the final days of the 2012 General Assembly session, I hope you will join me in continuing to focus our attention on the issues that matter most to the people of Virginia."
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