As we wrap up weeks three and four of the 2024 session, I'd like to update you all on a number of the bills that my colleagues and I have introduced this session, some of which have passed:
Fentanyl is killing Virginians at a shocking rate. This is a crisis and I hope that this bill can become law to help address this deadly issue we face on a day in and day out basis.
My SB469 provides three avenues to get at those who are manufacturing and altering these drugs for sale: It elevates penalties for violations related to adulterated or misbranded drugs, also known as counterfeit drugs, which frequently contain fentanyl. It criminalizes the possession of 'encapsulating machines' and 'tableting machines' (pill presses). It also extends the existing penalties for manufacturing methamphetamine with a minor or incapacitated person present to those who commit the same act of manufacturing counterfeit drugs with fentanyl.
This bill was passed by the Senate with a 38-2 vote.
Education
I am committed to ensuring that every Virginia student receives a world-class education, including access to an affordable college degree or training for a career. This year, progress is being made toward that goal.
My SB474 aids in the construction and renovations of public school building projects by revising the guidelines of the Virginia Public School Construction Grants Program. This expansion will allow regional career & technical centers (such as the Valley Regional Technical Center in Fishersville and Massanutten Technical Center in Rockingham) and Regional Governor's Schools to be eligible to participate in the grant program.
This bill has since been reported from Education and Health with a substitute (15-Y 0-N) and moves on to Finance and Appropriations.
Another bill that recently passed the Senate is SB28, which will allow school boards to develop more effective policies to limit cell phone use. While my colleagues and I recognize that having a child carrying a cell phone can help ensure their safety, phones can also be a significant distraction in the classroom. Most of my Senate colleagues share my view that school boards should be able to set clear rules about when a cell phone may or may not be used during regular school hours. An overwhelming bipartisan majority passed this bill out of the Senate, and it now awaits action in the House of Delegates.
Election Integrity
In a democracy like ours, few things are more critical than ensuring citizens feel confident that their vote is counted and that the electoral process is honest and reliable. My Republican colleagues and I are committed to fair and secure elections, ensuring only legal voters can vote. Republicans have put forward common-sense proposals like: ensuring someone registering to vote has a valid Social Security number; requiring a voter to show a valid photo identification to be allowed to cast a ballot; mandating voting machines provide a printed receipt to voters so each voter can have a record of when and where they voted and how they cast their ballot. Democrats killed these and other reasonable ideas to ensure the security and validity of our elections. Despite this setback, I will continue to work for laws that keep our elections fair and honest.
Posts
