Milestone for McWaters

Freshman Sen. Jeff McWaters, R-Virginia Beach, got a small thrill and a round of applause Wednesday when he watched fellow senators pass his first bill out of the chamber.

The measure would allow military members in uniform to drive in high-occupancy vehicle lanes on Hampton Roads highways regardless of the number of passengers being transported. A similar bill recently advanced out of the House of Delegates.

An impact statement attached to McWaters' legislation indicates federal approval would still be needed before his bill takes effect.

His SB 696 passed on a 38-2 vote Wednesday.

Not all of his bills have received as warm a reception, however.

A bill he introduced to give the governor more sway over state transportation funds in certain circumstances died in committee earlier this week.

-- Julian Walker

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